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Brathwaite's  Strappado  for 
the  Diuell. 


300  Copies  only  Small  Paper  and  50  Large. 
This  is 


A  Strappado  for  the 
Diuell. 

By  Richard  Brathwaite. 


WITH    AN    INTRODUCTION    BY 

THE  REV.  J.  W.  EBSWORTH,  M.A., 

Editor  of  the  Bagford  Ballads,  Drolleries 
of  the  Restoration,  ore. 


BOSTON,  LINCOLNSHIRE: 
Printed  by  Robert  Roberts,  Strait  Bar-Gate. 

M,DCCCLXXVIII. 


PR, 

£2 
63 


INTRODUCTION. 


"  A  mirthful  man  he  was  :  the  snows  of  age 
Fell  on,  but  did  not  chill  him.     Gaiety 
Even  in  life's  closing,  touched  his  teeming  brain 
With  such  wild  visions  as  the  setting  sun 
Raises  in  front  of  some  hoar  glacier 
Painting  the  bleak  ice  with  a  thousand  hues." 

ANNE  OF  GEIERSTEIN. 

OOD  Wine,"  says  the  Proverb,  "  needs  no 
bush."  Nevertheless,  while  wine  is  in  de- 
mand, there  hangeth  out  the  advertising 
bunch  of  leaves  above  the  door  where  it  is 
offered  to  consumers,  reminding  them  of  care  having 
been  taken  to  keep  the  barrel  from  the  sun's  scorching 
heat,  when  it  was  brought  and  stored.  So  it  is  with 
Richard  Brathwaite,  whose  Strappado  for  the  Diuell 
is  now  ready  for  the  entertainment  of  revellers.  "  Taste 
and  try !  "  is  all  that  is  absolutely  necessary  to  be  said 
or  sung  ;  yet  are  we  called  on,  by  our  friend  whose  la- 
bours have  provided  this  choice  and  accurate  reprint, 
to  write  a  few  lines  of  introduction. 

In  sooth,  the  book  well  deserved  to  be  copiously 
annotated,  for,  like  others  by  the  same  author,  it  is  full 
of  quaint  allusions  to  subjects  out  of  the  common  road 
of  thought  and  conversation,  even  in  the  days  when  it 


vi  Introduction. 

was  first  given  to  the  world.  It,  moreover,  illustrates 
the  time  by  innumerable  jocular  quips  and  cranks, 
proverbs,  and  a  detailed  record  of  the  contemporary 
customs,  so  that  every  thoughtful  Shakesperian  student 
may  rejoice  at  now  possessing  the  book.  It  was  pub- 
lished in  1615,  when  Beaumont  and  Shakespeare  had 
reached  their  last  year,  but  while  most  of  the  other 
great  dramatists  were  at  their  best.  It  exemplifies 
alike  the  laborious  trifling  which  continued  to  find  fa- 
vour among  the  wits,  as  it  had  done  during  the  reign 
of  the  Virgin  Queen  ;  and  also  that  robust  and  bois- 
terous vivacity,  suited  to  men  of  adventurous  spirit 
and  hardihood  at  the  time  of  England's  greatest  intel- 
lectual vigour.  Of  late  there  has  been  felt  an  increased 
interest  in  all  of  Richard  Brathwaite's  writings,  and 
certainly  his  Strappado  for  the  Diuell  well  deserved  to 
be  made  more  generally  accessible  to  students.  Fairly 
to  do  justice  to  it,  a  commentary  equalling  it  in  bulk, 
although  without  redundancy  of  annotation,  would  be 
required.  This  is  at  present  deemed  inexpedient.  The 
book  is  offered  entire,  unadulterated,  a  verbatim  re- 
print, but  nothing  more.  Those  who  have  detected 
the  inaccuracies  of  most  modern  editions  of  old  au- 
thors will  be,  doubtless,  gratified  at  securing  such  an 
exact  reproduction  of  this  rare  work  as  may  be  deemed 
equivalent  to  the  original. 

An  excellent  portrait  of  Richard  Brathwaite  is  in 
the  frontispiece  of  his  book,  A  Survey  of  History  ;  or, 


Introduction.  vii 

A  Nursery  for  Gentry :  Contrived  and  Comprized  in 
an  Intermivt  Discourse  upon  Historicall  and  Poeticall 
Relations,  1638.  It  is  one  of  William  Marshall's  choice 
engravings,  an  elaborate  composition  in  eight  com- 
partments ;  the  oval  portrait  forms  the  centre.  With 
pointed  beard,  stiff  horizontal  moustache,  and  cleanly 
shaven  cheeks,  it  gives  us  such  a  likeness  of  the  man 
as  carries  its  own  warrant  of  fidelity.  The  full  point- 
lace  collar  falls  over  a  slashed  doublet  of  dark  velvet. 
The  strongly-marked  features  betoken  a  somewhat 
fierce  animalism :  great  capacity  and  impetuosity. 
The  eyes  are  already  dimmed  ;  they  show  in  their 
worn  and  wearied  expression  a  remembrance  of  by- 
gone revels,  not  altogether  pleasant.  They  have  lost 
all  the  joyous  light  of  youth,  and  under  the  knotted 
brow  look  out  sadly  upon  the  world.  A  stalwart  com- 
batant is  this,  ready  at  all  times  for  a  struggle  against 
any  odds  that  offer.  He  bears  the  bruises  and  the 
scars,  in  furrowed  front  and  sunken  cheek ;  but  evi- 
dently he  is  unsubdued,  though  weakened,  and  will 
"  die  game,"  with  his  face  to  the  foe.  He  has  drank 
deeply  of  the  cup  proffered  to  him,  and  has  known  the 
bitterness  of  after-reflections.  He  has  clasped  hands 
firmly  in  friendship,  and  has  struck  hard,  when  need- 
ful, at  those  who  may  have  hated,  but  dared  not  scorn 
him.  Yet  this  face,  with  its  wealth  of  varied  memo- 
ries, is  of  a  man  no  older  than  forty-eight  years  !  It 
is  thus  certified  in  the  engraving.  The  flame  must 


viii  Introduction. 

have  burnt  fiercely,  to  have  calcined  so  much  in  that 
short  time.  With  this  portrait  in  view  we  the  better 
understand  and  prize  his  works. 

He  is  believed  to  have  been  born  about  1588,  and 
this  would  make  the  portrait,  marked  "  aetatis  48,"  to 
be  representative  of  him  at  two  years  earlier  date  than 
when  it  was  published,  in  1638,  in  A  Survey  of  History. 
It  corresponds  more  closely  with  William  Marshall's 
full  length  of  him,  as  "  Barnaby,"  merrily  enjoying  his 
newly-lighted  pipe  at  the  ale-house  door,  than  with 
the  lean-visaged  yet  smooth-browed  decorous  gentle- 
man in  a  plaited  ruff,  whose  portrait  is  prefixed  to  the 
Psalms  of  David,  in  the  same  year  1638.  Joseph 
Haslewood  writes  of  this  second  oval  portrait,  sub- 
scribed, "  quanquam  6,"  that  it  "  appears  to  have  been 
intended  for  our  author,  when  advanced  in  years."  But 
Brathwaite  can  scarcely  have  been  represented  as  more 
than  two  years  older  than  the  portrait  issued  almost  si- 
multaneously, in  the  Survey,  wherein  his  age  is  stated. 
Elsewhere,  in  his  biographical  account,  Haslewood  re- 
fers to  this  "  engraved  title  to  the  Psalms,  where  he 
has  a  more  aged  appearance,  probably  adopted  as  the 
sedate  Christian  moralist — a  character  he  seemed  de- 
sirous uniformly  to  sustain  in  all  his  serious  and  reli- 
gious pieces."  It  may  be  that  the  biographer  intends 
to  admit  a  certain  amount  of  falsification  in  the  Psalms' 
portrait :  that  it  was,  in  fact,  like  the  picture  of  an 
actor  "  in  character,"  more  or  less  disguised  in  its  se- 


Introduction.  ix 

dateness.  Otherwise,  we  should  be  led  to  believe  that 
the  assigned  date  of  our  author's  birth  may  have  been 
a  trifle  too  late.  We  hold  firmly  by  a  belief  in  the 
literal  fidelity  of  the  original  portrait  in  the  Survey, 
with  its  motto  "  Meliori  nascimur  aevo." 

It  is  not  necessary  to  repeat  here  the  short  account 
of  his  life  given  by  his  loving  biographer.  In  few  of 
his  labours  had  Haslewood  so  satisfactorily  acquitted 
himself  as  when  he  gave  back  the  Barnaba  Itinerarium 
to  the  world.  He  left  little  for  after-gleaners.  The 
first  duty  now  is  to  reprint  Brathwaite's  various  works 
with  scrupulous  fidelity  :  the  second  is  to  add  to  them 
such  a  comprehensive  and  exhaustive  introduction 
with  annotations  as  they  well  deserve.  From  first  to 
last  they  throw  light  on  our  English  social  history  at 
the  most  interesting  period,  from  before  the  time  of 
Shakespeare's  final  retirement  to  Stratford,  throughout 
the  struggle  of  the  Commonwealth  against  the  Mo- 
narchy, and  beyond  the  Restoration  until  1673.  So 
voluminous  an  author,  one  who  wrote  with  a  flying 
pen,  and  loved  to  record  his  own  habits,  whims,  and 
experiences,  beside  his  allusions  to  contemporary 
topics,  must  reward  the  student  of  literature.  Nor  is 
he  ever  wearisome,  except  by  an  excess  of  sparkle  and 
point.  His  vivacity  sometimes  fatigues  readers  who 
cannot  keep  pace  with  his  sportive  sallies.  But  he  is 
no  mere  witling,  and  quibbler  with  words.  He  offers 
subjects  for  thought,  and  would  himself  have  scorned 

b 


x  Introduction. 

to  be  considered  a  jester  or  buffoon  for  idle  hours.  He 
has  some  kinship  with  George  Wither,*  his  contempo- 
rary ;  resembling  him  alike  in  the  pastoral  poems,  and 
in  the  pungency  of  his  Satires.  In  the  under-current 
of  religious  seriousness  the  two  writers  are  not  so  far 
apart  as  might  be  imagined.  Both  were  confessors, 
not  martyrs,  enduring  persecutions  for  conscience  sake. 
Brathwaite  proved  his  sincerity  and  fortitude  in  mani- 
fold sufferings  for  the  Royal  cause,  but  he  seems  to 
have  led  a  much  happier  and  more  jovial  life  than 
Wither,  who  was  always  in  opposition  amid  a  factious 
minority ;  always  coming  into  collision  with  authority, 
and  suffering  imprisonments  or  humiliation,  without 
much  benefit  to  any  cause  that  he  chose  to  advocate. 
Both  men  deserve  our  affectionate  remembrance,  and 
are  unlikely  to  be  forgotten  in  the  coming  age.  There 
will  be  made  a  diligent  search  for  every  scrap  of  writing 
that  they  left  behind  them.  Except  the  dreary  reli- 
gious poetry  whereunto  they  piously  turned  in  later 
years  (as  a  compensation  for  having  earlier  indulged 

*  Of  George  Wither,  and  of  William  Browne,  the  author  of 
Britannia's  Pastorals,  Brathwaite  was  a  warm  admirer.  In  his 
poem  "  Vpon  the  General!  Sciolists  or  Poettasters  of  Brittaine 
(our  p.  23)  he  writes  "On  witty  Wither  neuer- with  ring  plaines," 
and  declares  that 

"  long  may  England's  Thespian  springs  be  known 
By  louely  Wither  and  by  bonny  Browne." 

Again,  in  Nature's  Embassic,  he  distinctly  alludes  to  Wither's 
Abuses  Stript  and  Whipt :  " Thou  must  be  Stript,  and  Wh'tpt, 
and  chastis'd  for  *t." 


Introduction.  xi 

in  much  satirical  "  stripping  and  whipping  "  of  what- 
ever they  believed  to  be  Social  Abuses),  they  wrote 
few  things  which  the  world  is  inclined  to  cast  aside  as 
"  alms  for  oblivion." 

Even  without  assuming  the  received  date  of  Brath- 
waite's  birth  to  be  slightly  post-dated,  we  find  him 
certainly  reaching  the  venerable  age  of  eighty-five 
years.  That  he  retained  his  mental  faculties  until  the 
end,  or  very  near  the  end,  seems  to  be  clearly  proved. 
Whatever  may  have  been  the  wild  excesses  of  his 
youth,  the  actions  and  the  words  of  his  closing  days 
were  such  as  secured  respect.  Anthony  a  Wood,  who 
is  by  no  means  lavish  of  praise,  declares  that  "  he  left 
behind  him  the  character  of  a  well-bred  gentleman  and 
good  neighbour  ; "  and  his  later  biographer  gladly 
adds,  "  a  consistent  Christian  and  upright  man."  As 
to  his  appearance,  attire,  and  disposition,  "  Tradition 
reports  him  to  have  been  in  person  below  the  common 
stature,  well-proportioned,  and  one  of  the  handsomest 
men  of  his  day ;  remarkable  for  ready  wit  and  humour; 
charitable  to  the  poor  in  the  extreme,  so  much  so  as 
to  have  involved  himself  in  difficulties  by  it.  He  com- 
monly wore  a  light  grey  coat,  red  waistcoat,  and  leather 
breeches.  His  hat  was  a  high-crowned  one,  and  be- 
yond what  [height]  was  common  in  those  days,  when 
such  hats  were  worn.  His  equals  in  life  bestowed  on 
him  the  name  of  Dapper  Dick,  by  which  he  was  uni- 
versally known.  In  disposition  he  was  as  admirable 


xii  Introduction. 

as  in  person  ;  and,  always  taking  from  the  gaiety  of 
heart  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  neighbourhood  in  pro- 
moting the  festivities  of  Christmas,  those  good  times 
gone  by  long  beheld  him  the  darling  of  that  side  of 
the  country." 

We  need  feel  no  scruple  in  borrowing  one  more 
paragraph  from  Joseph  Haslewood,  for  it  assists  to 
bring  before  the  reader  Brathwaite's  Cavalier  spirit  of 
hospitality,  already  mentioned.  Soon  after  1639,  when 
he  married  his  second  wife,  a  loyal  Scotch  widow  lady, 
he  quitted  his  own  family-residence  at  Burneshead,  in 
Lancashire,  which  was  probably  in  disorder  and  diffi- 
culties, and,  as  it  seems,  removed  to  Catterick,  her 
jointure  manor-house,  in  Yorkshire.  "  The  fevered 
state  of  the  times  might  in  part  occasion  his  quitting 
the  family  residence  at  Burneshead.  Brathwaite  was 
'  a  subject  sworn  to  loyalty,'  and  not  likely  under  any 
sway  at  that  lawless  period  to  escape  the  common 
wrack  of  power.  Lavish  hospitality  in  support  of  the 
royal  cause  on  the  one  hand,  and  contributions  impe- 
riously demanded  and  violently  enforced  in  the  name 
of  either  the  Parliament  or  the  Usurper  upon  the  other, 
would  serve  equally  to  impoverish  his  hereditary  pro- 
perty, and  make  a  removal  to  the  newly-acquired 
estate  at  Appleton  a  matter  of  convenience  to  prevent 
shading  family  honours.  He  declares  himself  to  have 
been  '  a  resolute  sufferer  for  both '  sovereign  and 
country,  and  depicts  the  very  impaired  state  of  his 


Introduction.  xiii 

fortune  at  the  Restoration,  in  a  poem  addressed  '  To 
his  Majesty  upon  his  happy  arrivall  in  our  late  discom- 
posed Albion '  (1660),  which  he  describes  as  written 
'  by  him  who  ever  held  his  intimacy  of  Loyalty  a  suf- 
ficient reward  for  all  his  sufferings ;  and  his  house  most 
happy  in  the  hospitality  of  your  [the  king's]  servants.' 

'  My  ruin }d fortunes  I  shall  nere  bemone, 
Though  I  have  felt  as  much  as  any  one 
Of  the  Delinquent's  whip :  I'm  still  the  man 
I  was,  before  the  Civill  warrs  began  ; 
Those  capitall  grand-bugbears  had  no  power 
T'  affright  your  servant,  though  they  might  devour 
That  small  remainder  which  he  then  possest ; 
Wherein  they  grew  half-sharers  at  the  least' " 

Thus  loyal  to  King  and  Church  he  held  his  way  with 
cheerfulness,  despite  the  troubles  and  material  losses 
which  it  was  his  lot  to  encounter.  He  uses  the  whip 
of  the  Satirist,  sometimes  playfully,  and  sometimes  in 
grim  earnest ;  but  in  his  hands  it  is  not  the  implement 
of  ruthless  cruelty  and  destruction  that  it  would  have 
been  if  wielded  by  a  Puritan  fanatic.  This  was  no 
narrow-minded  sectary,  incapable  of  feeling  any  bright 
influence  of  joy  and  beauty  from  the  world  that  lay 
before  his  purblind  eyes.  No  prurient  moralist  was 
he,  secretly  enslaved  by  desire  for  the  luxuries  he 
could  not  compass,  but  openly  denounced,  in  language 
more  offensive  than  the  love-ditties  which  the  Pre- 
cisians declared  to  be  idolatrous  and  blasphemous.  It 


xiv  Introduction. 

•• 

is  not  laid  upon  us  to  attempt  to  reconcile  the  self- 
contradictions  of  such  a  complex  character  as  Brath- 
waite's,  where  the  reveller  and  gallant  is  conjoined  to 
the  austere  moralist  and  pious  churchman.  We  see 
that  he  was  of  open-handed  liberality  and  robust  geni- 
ality, yet  religious-minded  withal.  Like  him,  in  those 
days,  were  many  others,  so  that  he  was  not  an  eccentric 
humourist,  flighty,  and  almost  unintelligible,  but  a  fair 
sample  of  a  large  class  of  men.  Most  of  them  fought 
for  the  king's  cause  against  the  tyranny  of  faction,  and 
suffered  sore  hardships  without  losing  heart  or  hope  ; 
in  many  cases  yielding  up  their  lives,  as  well  as  their 
estates,  in  attestation  of  their  loyalty.  With  this  clue 
to  an  understanding  of  the  man  himself,  the  writings 
of  Richard  Brathwaite  become  doubly  valuable.  He  is 
not  only  an  illustrator  of  rural  customs,  and  of  transi- 
tory habits  in  the  busy  city-life  ;  not  only  is  he  of  assist- 
ance to  the  commentator  who  desires  to  learn  more  of 
the  obsolete  phraseology  and  folk-lore  belonging  to 
our  richest  dramatic  literature.  He  is  all  this,  but  he 
is  also  a  bold  and  genial  Englishman,  representative 
in  no  small  degree  of  other  Cavaliers,  who  had  been 
roysters  and  revellers  without  ceasing  to  be  gentlemen 
and  Christians. 

As  to  the  manner  in  which  he  looked  upon  the  prim 
Sectaries,  the  men  whom  later  days  designated  the 
"  unco  guid  and  rigidly  righteous,"  we  have  a  notable 
example  in  the  present  volume,  on  p.  109.  It  is  an 


Introduction.  xv 

address  "  to  the  Precision,  that  dares  hardly  looke  (be- 
cause th'  art  pure,  forsooth)  on  any  book,  saue  Homi- 
lies," &c.  He  gibbets  the  class  of  men  for  posterity, 
by  a  reference  to  this  one  being 

"  wont  to  slay 
His  cat  for  killing  mice  on  tK  Sabboth  day"  * 

We  desire  not  to  imitate  our  author  in  one  thing, 
viz.,  the  keeping  back  readers  from  his  book  by  an 
accumulation  of  prefatory  matter.  Among  the  few 

*  It  may  be  the  phrase  was  already  proverbial,  for  it  has  the 
imperfect  quotational  marks  before  it.  This  is  the  earliest- 
known  appearance  of  the  allusion  in  print.  John  Taylor  the 
Water-Poet  uses  it,  several  years  later,  of  a  Brownist,  in  The 
Praise  of  Hempseed : — 

"  The  Spirit  still  directs  him  hoiv  to  pray, 
Nor  -will  he  dresse  his  Meate  the  Sabbath  day, 
Which  doth  a  mighty  mysterie  imfold, 
His  Zeale  is  hot,  although  his  Meat  be  cold  ; 
Suppose  his  Cat  on  Sunday  kill  a  Rat, 
She  on  the  Munday  must  be  hanged  for  that" 
Dr.  James  Smith  or  Sir  John  Menzies  in  Musarum  Delicice, 
1655,  mentions  "some  close-pared  Brother"  who  will  work  re- 
tributive vengeance  on  a  Cat  (guilty  of  having  eaten  certain 
lute-strings), 

"  Or  else,  profane,  be  hang'd  on  Monday, 

For  butchering  a  Mouse  on  Sunday." 

It  has  also  been  noted  that  the  incident  had  re-appeared  in 
Wm.  Sampson's  play  of  The  Vow- Breaker  1636.  Modern 
adaptations  of  a  civil-war  ballad,  telling  how  "  A  Presbyterian 
Cat  sat  watching  of  her  prey,"  are  found  in  The  Linnet, 
(=.Orpheus),  1740,  p.  20,  and  (altered  into  "There  was  a 
Cameronian  Cat")  in  James  Hogg's  Jacobite  Relics,  ist.  series, 
P-  37.  1819. 


xvi  Introduction. 

printed  copies  of  the  Strappado,  still  remaining,  there 
are  differences  in  the  arrangement  of  the  leaves. 
Imperfections,  similar  to  what  we  find  in  the  rare 
Drolleries  and  early  song-books,  arise  chiefly  from  the 
books  having  been  roughly  used  in  frequent  perusal. 
Even  in  the  best  libraries,  where  any  apparently  un- 
mutilated  volume  of  such  class  may  be  stored,  it  has 
been  generally  made  complete  (like  the  unique  first 
4to.  of  Hamkt,  1603),  by  intermixture  of  several  im- 
perfect exemplars.  Our  publisher  and  printer,  with 
whom  had  rested  the  labour  of  preparing  this  repro- 
duction, has  spared  no  pains  to  make  it  as  nearly  as 
possible  an  exact  reprint  of  Brathwaite's  interesting 
pages.  In  them  we  see  the  author  at  an  early  part  of 
his  joyous  life.  He  was  not  more  than  twenty-seven 
years  old  when  it  was  published.  Some  parts  of  it 
may  have  been  written  earlier,  but  we  do  not  think 
this  is  probable.  He  was  a  quick  producer,  and  seems 
to  have  generally  flung  out  whatever  he  wrote  without 
much  delay.  Elaboration  suited  not  his  humour,  and 
it  is  not  likely  that  he  kept  many  unused  manuscripts 
long  beside  him.  When  he  had  executed  any  piece 
of  work  that  his  own  judgment  approved,  as  worthy 
of  being  tossed  out  to  an  expectant  public  of  good 
fellows,*  he  probably  searched  amid  his  loose  papers, 

*  In  general  he  seems  to  have  hurried  his  writings  into  print, 
and  almost  always  left  them  at  the  mercy  of  typographical  blun- 
derers, until  such  time  as  he  could  add  an  "  Apology  for  the 


Introduction.  xvii 

the  fly-leaves  of  favourite  volumes  whereon  he  had 
jotted  down  some  odd  thoughts  in  epigrammatic  form. 
With  the  aid  of  such  waifs  and  strays  as  these  (tokens 
of  their  fugitive  character  remaining  visible  at  this 
day),  he  would  increase  the  bulk  of  his  book  until  it 
looked  big  enough  to  face  the  world.  Even  when  con- 
secutively paged,  his  volumes  are  often  composed  of 
several  distinct  works.  Separate  titles,  dedications, 
tables  of  errata,  and  other  camp-followers  are  accumu- 
lated in  each.  They  resemble  the  highland  clans  that 
followed  the  standard  of  Prince  Charles  Edward,  each 
under  its  own  feudal  leader,  and  his  chosen  subor- 
dinates ;  so  that  they  look  less  like  a  disciplined  army, 
than  a  melee  of  ill-disciplined  and  incongruous  forces, 
ready  at  a  word  to  fall  asunder. 

Thus,  in  the  present  volume,  we  find  his  "  Love's 
Labyrinth  ;  or,  the  true-Loners  knot  :  inclvding  The 
disastrous  fals  of  two  star-crost  Louers  Pyramvs  and 
Thysbe,"  following,  with  no  poetic  or  logical  link  of 
connection,  closely  after  the  "  Strappado  for  the 


Errata,"  under  an  excuse  of  the  author's  absence.  But  there  are 
a  few  instances  of  his  keeping  manuscript  by  him  for  a  long 
time,  as  in  the  case  of  his  Comment  upon  the  tivo  Tales  of  our 
Ancient,  Renowned,  and  Ever  Living  Poet  Sr.  Jeffray  Chaucer, 
&c.,  which  was  not  printed  until  1665,  but  appears  to  have  been 
(in  part,  at  least),  written  half  a  century  earlier,  having  been  in 
1617  announced  for  early  publication.  The  Barnaboe  Itinera- 
rium  also  bears  clear  marks  of  having  been  written  at  intervals, 
and  long  retained  in  hand  before  its  appearance  about  1649. 

C 


xviii  Introduction. 

Deuill."  Even  so  in  "  Nature's  Embassie  :  or,  the 
wilde-mans  Measvres,"  1621,  (already  reprinted  at 
Boston  by  Mr.  Robert  Roberts,  in  1877)  :  the  charm- 
ing "  Shepheard's  Tales,"  with  its  separate  title-page, 
and  "  Omphale,  or,  the  Inconstant  Shepheardesse," 
beside  "  His  Odes,  or  Philomel's  Tears,"  all  of  the 
same  date,  are  formed  into  one  volume,  consecutively- 
paged  in  the  reprint. 

There  seems  to  be  good  reason  for  believing  that 
the  author  designed  "  Nature's  Embassie  "  to  be  ac- 
cepted as  a  continuation  of  "A  Strappado  for  the 
Deuill."  After  our  present  p.  234  had  followed  two 
leaves  having  signature  and  direction.  "  1F  Place  this 
and  the  leafe  following  after  the  end  of  the  First 
Booke."  In  lines  addressed,  at  that  place,  "  To  the 
equall  Reader,"  he  is  told, 

" if  these  ierks,  so  lightly  laid  on,  smart, 

Thoull finde  rare  whipping  cheere  i  the  Second  Part, 
Where  Furies  run  diuision  on  my  song  : 
Patience  awhile,  and  thou  shalt  haue  'f  ere  long" 

We  entertain  no  doubt  whatever  that  the  "  Second 
Part  "  thus  announced  was  none  other  than  the  book 
published  in  1621,  under  the  full  title  of  "  Natvres 
Embassie  ;  or,  The  Wilde-mans  Measvres  :  Danced 
naked  by  twelve  Satyres,  with  sundry  others  contained 
in  the  next  Section."  That  no  close  connection  exists 
between  the  two  works,  and  that  no  declaration  is 
made  to  the  effect  that  "  this  is  the  promised  Second 


Introduction.  xix 

Part  of  the  Strappado,"  are  facts  of  infinitely  small 
weight  in  the  balance  against  the  supposition.  Puri- 
tanism was  growing  more  powerful,  and  there  had 
evidently  been  objections  raised  against  the  introduc- 
tion of  the  Devil's  name  into  the  title  of  the  earlier 
volume.*  As  to  connection,  there  is  still  less  between 
the  component  parts  of  the  present,  and  many  another 
volume,  by  the  same  author,  than  there  is  between 
the  Strappado  and  the  Wilde-men's  Measures.  So 
much  need  was  felt  for  a  "  taking  title,"  and  the  ap- 
pearance of  novelty,  that  the  publisher,  Richard 
Whitaker,  would  be  indisposed  to  risk  the  success  of 
the  book,  in  1621,  by  permitting  the  author  to  call  it 
a  "Second  Part,"  even  of  the  successful  Strappado. 
As  a  matter  of  fact,  we  know  that  two  years  later  the 
unsold  copies  were  helped  into  circulation  by  fresh 
title-pages,  with  the  more  acceptable  name  of  "  S hep- 
heard' s  Tales.  The  two  books  ought  never  hereafter 
to  be  separated. 

Although  his  name  appeared  thus  prominently,  and 

*  Thus,  in  his  Essay  on  Detraction,  Brathwaite  writes, 
"  Wonder  I  cannot  chuse  (for  else  should  I  wonder  at  my  own 
stupidity)  how  any  should  harbour  the  least  conceit  of  an  in- 
tended Detraction  by  mee,  or  by  my  Labours,  unlesse  my  title 
of  Devill  imply  so  much,  which  may  seem  to  have  affinitie  with 
that  which  the  Greeks  terme  Sta/JoA/j),  Detraction."  This  ex- 
tract has,  in  1625  (ten  years  after  the  publication  of  the  Strap- 
pado} the  following  marginal  note : — "  A  pleasant  poeme  by 
the  Author,  long  since  published ;  and  by  some  no  lesse  censo- 
riously than  causelessly  taxed." 


xx  Introduction. 

caused  all  this  connection,  the  "  Deuill  "  had  left  very 
few  of  his  hoof-marks  behind  him  in  the  books.  Per- 
sonally, he  resembles  the  "  harmless  fairy,"  whom 
Stephano  and  Trinculo*  found  to  lead  them  into  a 

*  The  allusion  to  "Tom  Trincalos  "  on  p.  114  is  certainly  not 
to  Shakespeare's  Tempest,  but  (like  Milton's)  to  a  play  which 
was  a  favourite  among  the  Cambridge  students  :  "  Albumazar, 
A  Comedy  presented  before  the  King's  Maiestie  at  Cambridge, 
the  ninth  of  March,  1614:  by  the  Gentlemen  of  Trinitie  College. 
London,  Printed  by  Nicholas  Okes  for  Walter  Burre,  and  are 
to  be  sold  at  his  Shop,  in  Paul's  Church-yard.  1615."  Another 
410.  edition  was  issued  in  1634,  and  a  third  in  1668,  with  an 
Epilogue  (instead  of  the  short  original),  written  by  Dryden, 
beginning, 

"  To  say  this  Comedy  pleased  long  ago 

Is  not  enough  to  make  it  please  you  now. 

Yet,  gentlemen,  your  ancestors  had  ivit, 

When  few  men  censured,  and  ivhen  fnver  writ  ; 

And  lonson,  (of  those  few  the  best)  chose  this, 

As  the  best  model  of  his  master-piece. 

Subtle  ivas  got  by  our  Albumazar, 

That  Alchymist  by  this  Astrologer. 

Here  he  "was  fashioned,  and  ive  may  suppose 

He  liked  the  fashion  "well  "who  ivore  the  clothes. 

But  Ben  made  nobly  his  "what  he  did  mould  ; 

What  ivas  another's  lead  became  his  gold."  &c. 
This  Epilogue  appeared  in  Couent-Garden  Drollery,  1675,  no 
doubt  in  the  same  form  as  when  first  spoken  (afterwards  slightly 
changed),  and  probably  in  the  characters  of  Albumazar,  or  of 
Trincalo.  The  latter  person  had  spoken  the  original  Epilogue. 
The  comedy  has  been  included  among  Dodsley's  "  Old  Plays," 
and  is  in  the  eleventh  volume  of  the  recent  edition,  1875,  in  15 
vols.  Unless  there  had  been  an  earlier  production  of  "  Albuma- 
zar" than  1614,  Dryden  must  have  mistaken  the  supposed 
paternity  of  Ben  Jonson's  "  Alchymist,"  which  was  certainly 
printed  in  1612.  The  author  of  "Albumazar"  is  believed  to 


Introduction.  xxi 

reeking  horse-pond  (where  no  horses  came,  any  more 
than  to  Venice).  He  is  conspicuous  by  his  absence. 
It  might  have  been  said,  "  omitted  by  particular  de- 
sire. Brathwaite  has  given  us  the  fitting  explanation, 
so  far  as  it  goes,  in  his  reference  to  the  <5ta/?oAos  as  the 
Spirit  of  Detraction  :  this  it  is  that  receives  the  whip- 
ping, as  is  due.  He  writes  (on  p.  33)  of  his  "  sharp 
tooth'd  Satire,"  but  he  is  not  venomous.  He  rebukes 
the  poetasters  for  their  fantastical  and  mischievous 
perversions  of  language  and  thought,  "  transform'd 
from  English  to  Italienate."  By  their  indiscriminate 
adulation  of  the  unworthy,  for  self-interest,  he  declares 
they  "  bring  The  Art  of  Poetry  to  Ballading."  He 
knows  well  the  price  likely  to  be  paid  by  any  true 
Poet  who  dare  to  rebuke  the  vices  of  the  Court, 
"  As  some  have  done,  and  haue  been  meinfd  up  for  't." 

He  hesitates  not  to  speak  his  indignant  scorn  of  those 
who  act  as  poetic  panders  to  luxury, 

"As  they  runne  still  in  that  high-beaten  way 
Of  errour,  by  directing  men  amisse, 
Penning  whole  volumes  of  licentiousnesse, 
Descanting  on  my  Ladies  Rosie  Up, 
Her  Cinthian  eie,  her  bending  front,  her  trip, 
Her  bodies  motion,  notion  of  her  time, 
All  which  they  weaue  vp  in  a  baudy  Rime." 

have  been  one  John  Tomkis,  or  Tomkins.  R.  Brathwaite's 
"  Epigramme"  speedily  followed  the  publication  of  the  play,  to 
which  it  alludes.  Milton's  reference  to  the  Cambridge  perform- 
ance of  Trincalo  is  in  his  Apology  for  Smectymnuus,  1642. 


xxii  Introduction. 

Even  in  his  address  "  To  his  Booke  "  he  had  glanced 
at  the  prevalent  error  of  allowing  rich  and  powerful 
offenders  to  escape  unpunished,  while  those  in  lower 
condition  were  treated  with  severity. 

" let  this  be  understood, 

Great  men  though  ill  they  must  be  stiled  good, 
Their  blaeke  is  white,  their  vice  is  vertue  made  : 
But  'mongst  the  base  call  still  a  spade  a  spade. 
If  thou  canst  thus  dispense  (my  booke)  with  crimes, 
Thou  shalt  be  huggd  and  honour1  d  in  these  times." 

As  Shakespeare  puts  it :  "  that  in  the  Captain's  but  a 
choleric  word,  which  in  the  Soldier  were  rank  blas- 
phemy." It  may  not  improbably  be,  that  the  thought 
in  Brathwaite's  mind  was  to  make  the  Devil  the  re- 
presentative of  evil-greatness  :  "  spiritual  wickedness 
in  high  places,"  and  to  hint,  by  his  title,  that  he  was 
not  afraid  of  laying  on  the  lash,  if  it  were  deserved, 
because  of  the  dignity  in  station  held  by  the  culprit. 
No  honest  men  need  fear  him,  they  are  avowedly 
"out  of  the  survey  of  his  Strappado ;"  but  those  who 
prove  "  Recreant "  by  consorting  with  "  the  swartie 
miscreants  of  Lucifer,"  are  fairly  warned  of  his  inten- 
tions. 

We  find  little  here  of  that  strange  perversion  or  con- 
fusion of  ideas  that  meets  us  in  all  the  art  and  litera- 
ture of  the  middle-ages,  and  still  survives  to  our  day, 
by  which  the  horror  against  sin  and  its  embodiment 
in  the  Arch  Spirit  of  Evil  is  joined  with  a  sense  of  the 


Introduction.  xxiii 

ludicrous,  prompting  to  jests  and  buffoonery,  even  to 
contemptuous  scorn  ;  as  though  we  held  it  to  be  true, 
what  Ben  Jonson  took  as  title  for  one  of  his  Comedies, 
"  The  Devil  is  an  Ass."  Those  dangerous  tamperings 
with  solemn  thoughts,  traversing  them  by  daylight, 
shrinking  appalled  from  them  in  darkness  and  solitude, 
were  not  besetting  failings  with  Brathwaite.  He  was 
of  healthier  taste  and  sounder  judgment  His  "  Ciuell 
Diuell "  is  an  ensnaring  wanton,  whose  place  of  resort 
and  evil  enticements  are  painted  with  marvellous  power 
and  distinctness ;  affording  a  companion  picture  to 
John  Dickinson's  finished  portraiture  of  the  downfall  of 
"  the  faire  Valeria,"  in  his  Greene  in  Conceipt,  1598,  or 
Thomas  Cranley's  A  manda  ;  or,  Tlie  Reformed  Whore, 
1635.  But  it  was  not  any  inability  to  make  a  "  righte 
merrie  leste  "  on  the  subject  of  the  Arch-enemy,  that 
kept  Brathwaite  to  more  legitimate  sources  of  hu- 
mour ;  as  any  one  can  see  who  turns  to  p.  95,  and  reads 
the  laughter-stirring  tale,  which  Admetus  used  to  re- 
late in  his  hearing,  whilst  he  sat  roasting  a  crab-apple 
by  the  fire,  on  winter  nights.  It  briefly  shows  the 
misery  of  a  hen-pecked  husband  whose  helpmate  was 
"an  arrant  Deuill  of  her  tongue,"  and  how  (after 
time-honoured  custom)  the  poor  man  sought  consola- 
tion in  "a  potte  of  nappy  Ale :"  how  this  prototype 
of  Tarn  O'Shanter  stayed  too  long  at  the  ale-house, 
fortifying  himself  against  the  home-comforts  of  his 
wife's  tongue,  which  he  knew  to  be  awaiting  his  re- 


xxiv  Introduction. 

turn  ;  and  how,  instead  of  Alloway  Kirk  full  of 
witches,  he  encountered  what  seemed  to  him  the  very 
Leader  of  that  unholy  revel.  His  absence  of  fear  is 
accounted  for  by  himself  in  words  of  wisdom  : 

"  Good  Spirit,  if  thou  be,  I  need  no  char  me, 
For  well  I  know  thou  wilt  not  doe  me  harm : 
And  if  the  Deuill ;  sure,  me  thou  shouldst  not  hurt, 
I  wed'd  thy  Sister,  and  am  plagued  for 't. 
TJie  Spirit,  well-approuiug  what  lie  said, 
Dissolu'd  to  ay  re,  and  quickly  vanished"* 

No  less  true  in  humour,  and  longer  sustained,  is  the 
excellent  poem  "Vpon  a  Poets  Palfrey,  lying  in  Lau- 
ander,  for  the  discharge  of  his  Prouender,"  (p.  156). 
To  be  "  laid  in  lauender  "  was  a  mild  euphemism  for 
being  in  pawn.  With  wit  that  tires  neither  its  exhibi- 
tor nor  the  reader,  he  courses  through  a  multitude  of 
suppositions,  incidentally  repeating  to  us  the  cry  of 

*  We  well  remember  an  ancient  Kirk-yard  in  the  north  of 
Scotland,  where-through  a  path  ran  straight  from  the  public- 
house  to  the  minister's  manse,  often  trodden,  alas  !  by  an  irre- 
proachable Mess-John,  whom  friends  had  vainly  attempted  to 
convert  to  ways  of  sobriety  by  serious  advice,  and  even  by  that 
heaviest  of  trials,  praying  at  him  !  One  night  a  well-intentioned 
clerical-brother  disguised  himself  in  a  sheet,  and  awaited,  beside 
a  tomb-stone,  the  return  home  of  the  unsteady  wanderer,  in 
hope  of  alarming  him  into  repentance  and  the  Pledge.  When 
fairly  holding  in  view  the  tall  white  figure,  which  a  struggling 
moon-beam  made  visible,  the  only  ejaculation  that  expressed 
consciousness  was  the  pathetic  enquiry,  "  Oh,  mon  !  is  it  the 
general  resurrection  ?  or  are  ye  taking  a  daunder  yer  lane?" 
Nothing  was  left  for  it  but  the  Presbytery  Kirk-sessions,  and 
their  sentence  of  deposition. 


Introduction.  xxv 

Shakespeare's  Richard  III.,  "A  horse,  a  horse,  a  king- 
dom for  a  horse !  "  and  the  very  line  from  Marlow's 
Tambourlaine  which  Pistol  mocks,  "  Hallow,  ye  pam- 
per'd  lades  of  Asia,  what  draw  but  thirty  miles  aday  ?" 
Don  Quixote's  Rozinante,  the  Trojan  Horse,  Phae- 
ton's borrowed  coursers  of  the  Sun,  are  brought  in, 
with  a  snaffle,  to  trot  before  us.  As  the  mother  of  the 
minotaur,  Queen  Pasiphae,  is  mentioned,  we  might 
have  expected  to  encounter  Queen  Semiramis  ;  "  that 
injured  queen,  by  chroniclers  so  coarse,  Has  been  ac- 
cused, I  doubt  not  by  conspiracy,  Of  an  improper 
friendship,"  &c.  But  no,  we  never  mention  her.  The 
wonderful  performing-horse  of  Banks  the  cunjuror 
(which  was  burnt,  with  its  master,  in  Italy,  because 
this  cleverness  was  believed  to  be  of  magic),  appears 
in  the  twelfth  and  fifteenth  verses.  The  Pageants  and 
religious  moralities,  from  Adam  and  Eve  to  Noah  and 
his  ark,  which  were  represented  at  Bartholomew-Fair, 
are  glanced  at.  So  are  Duke  Humphrey's  dinner-less 
guests.  This  poem  alone  might  make  the  volume 
precious  to  us. 

In  a  Satyre,  called  "  The  Coni-borrowe,"  we  find  a 
palpable  allusion  to  one  of  the  characters  in  Shake- 
speare's Pericles,  "  the  damned  door-keeper  "  Boult 
The  public  hangman  is  mentioned  in  the  proverbial 
saying  of  "  going  to  Heaven  by  Derick  in  a  string  : " 
there  was  a  tune  known  about  that  time,  with  a  bur- 
den "Take  'm,  Derrick  !"  See  our  Bag  ford  Ballads,  (p. 

d 


xx  vi  Introduction. 

778).  Brathwaite's  abhorrence  of  wantonness  is  spoken 
with  a  convincing  earnestness,  such  as  few  writers  have 
equalled.  He  uses  strong  language,  but  it  is  because 
he  feels  strongly  and  will  not  palter  with  the  truth. 
Our  only  surprise  is  that  he  has  not  taken  his  place 
higher,  in  the  ranks  of  poetic  Satirists,  as  he  deserved, 
while  men  inferior  to  him  in  command  of  words,  and 
less  impressed  with  an  indignant  scorn  against  un- 
cleanness,  are  belauded,  if  not  read,  as  though  they 
were  the  masters  of  their  art.  The  clearness,  the  col- 
loquial English,  the  force  and  brilliancy  of  his  style,  at 
his  best,  merit  the  highest  praise.  This  volume  can- 
not fail  to  make  thoughtful  readers  desirous  of  know- 
ing more  of  Richard  Brathwaite. 

That  the  writer  of  such  scathing  rebukes  of  lustful 
dalliance  should  also  be  the  author  of  some  wanton 
trifling,  as  "  A  Marriage  Song,"  can  only  be  explained 
by  our  recollection  of  the  tyranny  of  moods  in  destroy- 
ing self-consistency,  and  especially  by  our  making 
allowance  for  the  warmth  of  the  poetic  temperament. 
One  never  can  depend  on  these  Satirists  being  en- 
tirely truthful.  They  have  first  revelled  in  iniquity, 
and  then  turn  approvers  or  king's  evidence,  and  bear 
witness  against  old  associates  to  secure  their  own 
escape  from  punishment  No  one  knew  this  better 
than  our  greatest  poet  When  Jacques  in  the  forest 
of  Arden  claimed  the  privilege  of  satirising  whom- 
soever he  would,  to  blow  on  them  with  "  as  large  a 


Introduction.  xxvii 

charter  as  the  wind,"  he  made  the  banished  Duke  tell 
what  would  happen  : — 

"  Most  mischievous  foul  sin  in  chiding  sin  ; 
For  thou  thyself  hast  been  a  libertine, 
As  sensual  as  the  brutish  sting  itself ; 
And  all  the  embossed  sores,  and  headed  evils, 
That  thou  with  license  of  free  foot  hast  caught, 
Would 'st  thou  disgorge  into  the  general  world" 

Our  author  is  singularly  free  from  the  worst  vices  of 
these  ill-conditioned  "  censors  of  the  age."  He  had 
never  been  so  debauched  with  pleasures,  and  he  never 
became  so  malignant  in  his  vituperation,  as  most  of 
the  gang  who  assume  the  vile  hangman's  office  for 
hangman's  wages. 

While  there  is  such  richness  of  allusion  to  contem- 
porary matters  in  his  pages,  that  scarcely  one  among 
them  fails  to  yield  something  valuable  to  the  student 
of  antiquity,  we  are  apt  to  forget  the  genuine  sweetness 
and  musical  fluency  of  his  best  lyrics.  The  rich  flow 
of  his  lines  makes  him  pleasant  reading,  even  on  such 
comparatively  dull  subjects  as  his  address  to  the  Al- 
derman of  Kendall,  or  the  companion  poem  To  the 
Northern  Sparks,  the  Cottoneers  (in  both  of  which, 
nevertheless,  appear  a  multitude  of  ripe  suggestions  to 
cultivated  students).  We  see  in  these  latter  the  pro- 
genitors of  those  industrious  communities  at  Wake- 
field,  Bradford,  and  the  other  manufacturing  towns  of 
the  North,  whom  Brathwaite  knew  well,  and  could 


xxviii  Introduction. 

bring  before  us  both  in  their  hours  of  steady  labour  at 
the  loom,  and  in  their  wakes  and  revels,  May-games 
on  the  green,  with  Robin  Hood  and  Morris-dancers  : 

"  One  footing  actively  Wilson's  delight, 
Descanting  on  this  note,  I  have  done  what's  right, 
Another  toying  to  be  nanfd  'mongst  them, 
Were  made  Men-fishers  of  poore  fisher-men. 
The  third  as  blith  as  any  tongue  can  tell, 
Because  he's  found  afaithfull  Samuel. 
The  fourth  is  chanting  of  his  Notes  as  gladly, 
Keeping  the  tune  for  ttt  honour  of  Arthura  Bradly.* 
The  5.  so  pranke,  he  scarce  can  stand  on  ground, 
Asking  who'le  sing  with  him  Mai  Dixon's  round?  "  &c. 

There  is  poetic  grace  and  daintiness  of  expression 
in  the  charming  little  lyric,  (on  p.  93,) 

SUNG  TO  MAIDS'  INCONSTANCY. 
"  Foolish  I,  why  should  I  grieue 
To  sustaine  what  others  feele  ? 
What  suppose,  fraile  women  leaue 
Those  they  lou'd,  should  I  conceale 

Comfort's  rest, 

from  my  brest, 
For  a  fickle,  brittle  woman  ? 

Noe,  Noe,  Noe, 

Let  her  goe, 
Such  as  these  be  true  to  no  man. 

*  See  the  whole  available  information  on  this  subject  gathei  ed 
by  the  present  writer  in  Choice  Drollery  re-print,  1876. 


Introduction.  xxix 

"  Long  retired  hast  thou  beene, 
Sighing  on  these  barren  rocks, 
Nor  by  sheepe  nor  shepheard  seene, 
Now  returne  vnto  thy  flockes, 

Shame  away, 

Doe  not  stay, 
With  these  mouing-louing  women, 

They  remoue 

from  their  loue  ; 
Such  as  these  doe  oft  vndoe  men"  &c. 

So,  too,  with  its  own  charm  of  music  and  deep  affec- 
tion, more  quaint  in  form  and  expression,  The  funeral 
Elegy,  (on  pp.  242,  243,)  has  the  true  ring  of  poetry. 
And  he  who  likes  not  "  Admetus's  Sonnet "  is  hard  to 
please. 

The  breezy  freshness  of  Browne's  Pastorals  fans  our 
brow  as  we  read  that  hearty  song  of  The  Woodman, 
Arthur  Standish  (pp.  168  to  172),  with  all  its  nice 
discrimination  of  timber  and  thicket  greenery. 

To  some  readers  the  so-called  "  Epigrams "  des- 
criptive of  various  characters,  such  as  The  Courtier, 
The  Wooer,  will  commend  themselves  ;  a  class  of 
compositions  then  in  fashion,  and  such  as  Brathwaite 
excelled  in.*  There  is  also  work  worth  studying  in  his 
"  Panegirick  Embleame,  intituled,  Saint  George  for 
England."  It  has  the  tenderness  and  intricate  lingering 

*"  See  his  prose  "Whimzies;  or,  A  new  Cast  of  Charac- 
ters," 1631. 


xxx  Introduction. 

cadences  of  the  old  romances  :  as  befitted  days  when 
knights  and  ladies  were  content  to  yield  ungrudgingly 
their  time  to  a  perusal  or  recital  of  such  tales  of 
maiden's  sorrow  and  knightly  valour. 

No  more  need  we  add,  unless  we  were  to  annotate 
his  every  page,  in  commendation  of  this  worthy,  too- 
long  neglected,  but  never  quite-forgotten.  We  have 
not  written  half  the  praise  we  could  have  ventured, 
not  a  tenth  part  of  his  due,  but  those  who  read  him 
without  prejudice  will  find  a  hearty  friend  in  Richard 
Brathwaite,  fresh  and  wholesome,  like  this  first  day 
of  Spring. 

J.  W.  E. 

MOLASH  VICARAGE,  KENT, 

Match  2i5/,  1878. 


A 

STRAPPADO 

for  the  Diuell. 

EPJGRAMS  AND 

Satyres  alluding  to  the  time, 

with  diuers  meafures  of  no 

leffe  Delight. 

By  /*«ro<rvKos,  to  his  friend 

<£iAoK/xiTes. 
Nemo  me  impune  lacejfit. 


At  London  printed  by  I.E.  for  Richard Redmer 

and  are  to  be  fold  at  the  Weft  dore 

of  Pauls  at  the  Starre.    1615. 


The  Authors  Anagram. 


RICHARDE  BRATHWAITE. 
Vertu  hath  bar  Credit. 

This  He  auow,  (for  it  is  I  that  f aid  it) 
If  Vertue  haue  no  coine,Jhe  has  no  Credit. 


- 


To 


TO    THE    WORTHI- 

lie   efteemed   the    true    Character 
of  a  Generous  difpofttion,  Sir  THOMAS 
GAINSFORD    Knight,  his  Vertues  endeered 
Admiror,  wifheth  fulnefle  of  content  in  the 
Dedication  of  thefe  his  Anagrams  extra- 
cted from  his  Name,  and  concor- 
ding  with  his  Nature. 

Thomas  Gainsforde. 

Anagram 
So  fame  doth  raign. 

SO  Fame  doth  raigne  with  Anagram 's  fo  Jit 
As  if  that  Nature  had  inuentcd  it : 
For  lie  that  knowes  thy  Vertues  and  thy  Name, 
Will  fay  all  raigne  in  tJtce,  all  ring  thy  Fame. 

Thomas  Gainfford. 

Anagram 

SJtade  t*  Honours  game. 
A  pale  for  Jhelter  of  her  game  is  made, 
And  thou  to  Honours  game  art  made  aJJiade, 
Thy  Huntfufis  Vertue,  and  thy  Beagle  grace, 
Which  (well  in  winde)  hath  Jlill  the  game  in  chace. 

To 


To  his  much  honoured  and  en- 

deered  Mecoenas  (the  exprefsiuft 

Character  of  a  generous  Spirit)  iudici- 

ous  approwr  of  beft-meriting  Poejie,   Guer- 

doner  of  Arts,  cherifher  of  Wittes,  and  ferious 

Protectour  of  all  free-borne  Studies,  M*. 

THOMAS  POSTHVMVS  DIGGS,  the 

A  uthor  humbly  dedicates  himfelfe,  his 

lime-futing  Epigrams  with 

the  vfe  of 
his  diuinely  importing  Anagram 

Anagramma. 

Thomas  Pofthumus  Digges. 
Though  time  pafle,  God  fumms. 


H 


In  Anagramma  Di/lic/ion. 

Ow  well  thy  Anagram  with  truth  it  runs, 
Though  time  pas  nere  fo  faft,  yet  God  ftill  fums. 


Or  thus. 
Hopes  iflu  moft  dem'  gag't. 


An 


Another  Anagram. 


P 


Two  verfes  including  tJie  Anagram. 

Vblique  and  priuate  men  in  young  and  ag't, 
on  whom  moft  hope  is,  the  we  deem  moft  gagt. 


Annexed. 

At  you  (faire  mirrour)  aime  I ;  you'r  my  fcope, 
Much  are  you  gag't  vnto  your  Contries  hope. 


To  the  gentle  Reader. 


F  I  giue  thee  a  deferuing 
Title  (Gentle  Reader)  no 
queftion  but  thou  wilt  ex- 
preffe  thy  felfe  in  thy  cen- 
fure :  th'art  no  wri-neck  critick,  politick 
informer  of  States,  deprauer  of  wel  in- 
tended lines,  nor  maligner  of  others 
labours :  Bee  thine  owne  prefident  in 
the  furueigh  of  thefe  diftempered  Epi- 
gmmmes\  and  therein  thou  may  per- 
forme  the  part  of  an  honeft  man : 
cancell  the  bill  of  errours,  or  chalke 
them  on,  &  they  fhal  ferue  to  make  vp 
a  greater  volume  for  next  impreffion. 
If  thou  bee  gentle  (as  I  tearme  thee) 

and 


and  haft  fenfe,  thou  wilt  supplie  many 
defeats,  committed  in  the  Preffe  by  the 
Authors  abfence.  Be  honeft  (till  and 
thou  art  out  of  the  fwing  of  this  ftrap- 
pado :  if  thou  play  Recreant  (by  con- 
forting  with  the  fwartie  mifcreants  of 
Lucifer)  the  Author  hath  vowed  hee 
will  play  Arch-Pyrate  with  thee,  tie  thee 
like  a  Gallie-flaue  to  the  Maft  of  his 
Malu-Sperauza,  and  ferrie  thee  ouer 
into  Tartarie. 

Farewell. 


To  his  BOOKE. 


BOoke  whither  goes  tliou,  I  had  rather  fiaue  thee 
To  Jlay  Jlill with  me,  for  my  Booke  may  faue  me: 
Saue  me,  its  true,  and  that's  the  caufe  I  craue 
Thou'de  to  the  world,  that  thou  the  world  might  faue  ; 
But  that's  a  taske  (my  booke)  too  hard  for  thee, 
Bid  Jiang  tJte  woreldfo  thou  wilt  faue  me : 
Yet  pray  tJiee  be  aduis'd  whom  thou  dojl  cJiecke, 
Forfpeaking  truth  may  chance  to  break  thy  necke. 
Which  to  preuent,  let  this  be  vnderftood, 
Great  men  though  ill  they  muft  be  ftiled  good, 
Their  blacke  is  white,  their  vice  is  vertue  made : 
But  'mongft  the  bafe  call  Jlill  afpade  afpade; 
If  tJiou  canst  thus  difpenfe  (my  booke)  with  crimes, 
TJwuJhalt  be  hugg'd  and  honoured  in  thefe  times. 


The  Epiftle  Dedicatorie. 

To  all  Vfiirers,  Breakers,  and  Promoters, 

Sergeants,   Catch-poles,  and  Regraters, 

Vfhers,  Panders,  Suburbes  Tra- 

ders, Cockneies  that  haue 

manie  fathers. 


Ladies,    Monkies,    Parachitoes,    Mar 

mofites,  and  Catomitoes,  falls,  high- 

tires  and  rebatoes,  falfe-haires, 

periwigges,  monchaloes  :  graue 

Gregorians,  and  Shee- 

painters. 

Send  I  greeting  at  aduentures,  and  to 

all  fuch  as  be  euill,  my  Jlrappado 

for  the  Diuell. 


Vpon  the  Errata. 

Entlemen  (humanum  eft  errare)  to  confirme 
V-J which  pofition,  this  my  booke  (as  many  other 
are)  hath  his  (hare  of  errors  ;  fo  as  I  run  ad pr<zlum 
tanquam  ad  prcelium,  in  typos  quaji  in  fcippos:  but 
my  comfort  is  if  I  be  ftrappadoed  by  the  multipli- 
citie  of  my  errors,  it  is  but  anfwerable  to  my  title : 
fo  as  I  may  feem  to  diuine  by  my  ftile,  what  I  was 
to  indure  by  the  preffe.  Yet  know  iudicious  dif- 
posed  Gentlemen,  that  the  intricacie  of  the  copie, 
and  the  abfence  of  the  Author  from  many  important 
proofes  were  occafion  of  thefe  errors,  which  defects 
(if  they  bee  fupplied  by  your  generous  coniuence 
and  curtuous  difpofition,  I  doe  vowe  to  fatisfie  your 
affectionate  care  with  a  more  ferious  furueigh  in  my 
next  impreflion. 


Errata. 

"Ddge  2  line  23  for  Pine  read  Vine.  ,/».  10.  /.  20  alone  wanting. 
*•  p.  16.  I.  13.  for  fenfelefnefle  read  fenfeleffe.  p.  15.  I.  2J.  for 
vainelike,  r.  vainly,  p.  26.  I.  \\.for  both,  forfootk  fo  delete,  p.  25 
/.  2$.  for  wherefore,  read  wherefoere.  p.  43.  J.  22.  for  ftiirts  r.  fheets, 
/or  weaues,  r.  woes  zw/ra  /).  /.  25.  £.48.  /.  4.  r.  cloze.  ifa'd  /or 
backe  r.  barke.  p.  366.  /.  23.  for  miftruft,  r.  inftruft.ybr  curfe  rearf 
fcarfe. 

For  other  errors  as  the  mifplacing  of  commaes, 
colons,  and  periods  (which  as  they  are  in  euerie 
page  obuious,  fo  many  times  they  inuert  the  fence) 
I  referre  to  your  difcretion  (iudicious  gentle-men) 
whofe  lenity  may  fooner  fupply  them,  then  all  my 
induflrie  can  portray  them. 


TO    TH  E   TRVE    DIS- 

couerer   of  fecrets    Mounfieur   Bacchus, 
fole  Soueraigne  of  the  luy-bufh,  Mafter-gunner 
of  the  pottle-pot  ordinance,  prime  founder  of  Red-lat- 
tices, cheerer  of  the  hunger-ftaru' d  Mufes,  and 
their  thred-bare  followers, finguler  Artift 
in  pewter  language,  and  an  obfer- 
uant  linguijt  for  anon 

anon  Sir. 

His  dere  Canary-Bird,  wifheth,  red-eyes, 
dropjie-legges,  and  all  other  ac- 
coutrements befitting. 

BOttle-nos'd  Bacchus  with  thy  bladder  face, 
To  thee  my  Mufe  comes  reeling  for  a  place  : 
And  craues  thy  Patronage  ;  nor  do  I  feare, 
But  my  poore  fragments  fhall  be  made  of  there, 
For  good  reuerfions  by  thy  fcrambling  crew, 
That  belch,  and  reade,  and  at  each  enteruiew 
Of  a  fharpe  temper'd  line,  commend  the  vaine, 
Digeft  it,  and  then  rift  it  vp  againe ; 
But  know  thou  cup  fhot  god,  what  is  expreft, 
Within  thefe  Pages  doe  deferue  the  beft 
Of  thy  light-headed  Shamroes,  nor  's  my  tutch 
For  fuch  as  loue  to  take  a  cup  too-much. 
No,  no  my  lines  (though  I  did  feeme  to  ftand, 
And  begge  a  poore  protection  at  thy  hand,) 

B  Shall 


Shall  Hue  in  fpite  of  Time,  for  Time  (hall  fee 

The  curtaine  of  her  vices  drawne  by  me  ; 

And  though  portraide  by  a  leffe  art-full  fift, 

Yet  he  that  limm'd  them  is  a  Satyrift, 

For  th'  lines  he  writes  (if  ought  he  write  at  all) 

Are  drawne  by  inke  that's  mixed  moft  with  gall. 

Yea,  he  was  borne,  euen  from  his  infancie, 

To  tell  the  world  her  fhame,  and  bitterly 

To  taxe  thofe  crimes  which  harbour  now  and  then 

Within  the  bofomes  of  the  greateft  men. 

"  Yea,  nought  I  doe  but  I  againe  will  doe  it, 

"  Nor  ought  will  write,  but  I  will  anfwer  to  it : 

Yet  would  I  not,  great  Bacchus,  haue  thee  thinke 

My  Mufe  can  into  that  obliuion  fmke, 

As  to  become  forgetfull  fo  of  thee, 

(For  fo  fhe  might  vnthankfull  feeme  to  be 

As  neuer  to  record  thy  worthy  Name 

Since  I  confeffe  from  thee  that  fpirit  came, 

Which  firft  infpir'd  my  Mufe  (by  thee  expreft) 

For  when  fhe  fpoke  the  leaft,  fhe  wrot  the  befl. 

Yea,  thou  it  was,  (and  fo  He  euer  hold,) 

That  quickned  me  and  made  me  fpeake  more  bold  ; 

By  that  rare  quinteffence  drawne  from  the  pine, 

Or  from  thofe  fluent  Hogges-head  pipes  of  thine, 

And  I  doe  thanke  thee  :  yet  thus  much  He  fay, 

For  any  kindneffe  fhowne  me  anie  waie, 

By  thee,  or  thy  attendants,  I  may  fweare 

Not  any  one  did  euer  yet  appeare  : 

Nay,  I  could  fay  (and  truly  too)  far  more 

I  neuer  ran  ten  millings  on  thy  skore, 

Which 


3 

Which  may  feem  ftrange,  that  I  which  am  fo  grown 
Into  acquaintance,  and  to  thee  well  knowne  : 
"  Should  in  thy  booke  haue  fuch  a  diffidence, 
As  not  be  chalkt  for  want  of  ready  pence  ; 
Nay,  there's  another  reafon  I  could  mew, 
Which  might  infer  that  thou  doft  duty  owe 
To  men  of  our  profeffion,  and  its  this  ; 
(If  my  conceipt  make  me  not  thinke  amiffe.) 
Tell  me,  Where  hadft  thou  luie-bufh,  fay  where  ? 
Which  as  thine  ancient  liv'rie  thou  doft  weare  ; 
That  garland  fure  me-thinks  that  I  mould  know  it, 
From  th'  Temples  fure  of  fome  pot  hardy  Poet ; 
Who,  caufe  he  had  not  wherewithall  to  pay, 
Was  forc't  to  leaue  his  Garland,  or  to  ftay    '-.i 
Till  fome  of  's  Patrons  pittied  his  eftate  : 
But  he,  poore  man,  cleere  out  of  hope  of  that 
Hauing  difcuft  it  often  in  his  minde, 
Did  think't  more  fit  to  leaue  his  wreath  behinde, 
Then  into  fuch  apparent  danger  fall, 
And  fo  did  vnto  one  of  th'  Drawers  call 
To  tell  thee,  if  thou  would'ft  be  fo  content, 
He  would  engage  his  luie-ornament  ; 
Which  thou  being  glad  of,  for  thy  priuate  vfe 
Wore  it  thy  felfe,  and  cheat'd  the  Poet  thus. 
Now  doeft  thou  thinke,  that  we  can  brooke  to  haue 
One  of  our  fort  thus  iniur'd  by  a  flaue, 
Without  all  fatisfa6lion  :  Bacchus  no, 
Vfe  't  to  thy  groomes,  we'le  not  be  baffelt  fo. 
Make  reftitution  of  thy  bum  againe, 
And  tie  thy  wreath  about  the  Poets  braine : 

B2  Of 


Or  fatisfie  his  damage  in  fome  fort, 

"  Or  be  thou  fure  that  thou  fhalt  anfwer  for't. 

But  thou  wilt  lightly  weigh  fuch  threats  as  thefe, 

And  fay  thou  canft  bring  vs  vpon  our  knees 

By  th'  power  of  thy  commaund  :  true  thou  canft  fo, 

Yet  (bleere  ey'de  Bacchus)  I  would  haue  thee  know 

That  we  do  fo  efteeme  thy  power  and  all 

Thy  followers,  we'le  vent  thee  'gain ft  the  wall  : 

Yea  euen  the  kennell  fhall  a  witneffe  be, 

Of  the  fmall  refpect  which  we  do  beare  to  thee. 

Refigne  then  what  thou  oweft,  or  forbeare, 

To  taxe  our  credits  when  our  skore's  not  cleere. 

For  well  may'ft  thou  forbeare  both  them  and  me, 

Since  thou  doft  owe  vs  more,  then  we  owe  thee. 

Thou  know'ft  it  Bacchus  (if  fo  thou  wilt  knowe  it) 

That  garland  which  thou  weares,  it  was  a  Poet 

That  firft  empaund  it,  and  thou  like  a  lewe 

Wilt  not  reftore  to  him  what  is  his  due. 

But  thou  wilt  anfwer  (as  I  know  thou  may) 

Yes,  I  imagine  what  tis  thou  canft  fay  : 

"  Bacchus  cares  not  for  outward  Jignes  a  ru/h, 

"  Good  wine  needs  not  the  hanging  of  a  bufh. 

Doft  not  thou  vizzard-fac't  ingratefull  Elfe  ? 

Yes,  for  want  of  a  bufh  thou'd  hang  thy  felfe. 

And  caper  like  a  zuinglian  (6  my  malice 

Burfts  out  againft  thee)  titted  vnder  the  gallowes. 

For  tell  me  how  fhould  men  diftinguifti  thee  ? 

Thoul't  fay  by  thy  fire-fparkling  phifnomie, 

Thofe  wink-apipes  of  thine,  thofe  ferret  eies, 

Thofe  bag-pipe  cheeks,  thofe  fpeciall  qualities 

Thou 


5 

Thou  art  endew'd  with  :  true  by  th'firft  th'art  known, 
But  for  thy  qualities  thou  haft  not  one 
To  glory  in  :  for  fpeeches  ornament 
Anon,  anon  fir  : — peutor  complement 
Is  all  thou  canft,  and  this,  thou  knoweft  is  fuch, 
As  th'Iay  or  Parrat  they  can  doe  as  much ; 
But  I  am  loath  to  taxe  each  crime  of  thine, 
For  I  do  know  thou  lou'ft  the  Mufes  nine, 
And  they  loue  thee,  yet  it  is  fit  their  vs'd 
With  more  refpe<5t,  then  to  be  once  abus'd 
By  any  apron-prentice  that  thou  haft  : 
Yea,  fit  it  is  not  they  fhould  be  out-fac't 
By  fuch  vnletterd  Animals  as  thefe, 
But  reuerence  the  Mufes  on  their  knees, 
For  what  be  thefe  attend  thee,  fuch  as  loft 
Their  tongue  to  gaine  two  or  three  words  at  moft, 
As  for  example  neate  and  briske,  and  then 
Anon,  anon  fir,  welcome  gentlemen. 
And  is  it  fit  that  fwads  of  fuch  defert 
Should  ftay  the  very  quinteflence  of  art 
For  a  non-payment  ?  or  make  Sergeants  ftand 
In  a  crofle-lane  to  laie  vnhallowed  hand 
On  Albions  Mercuries  ?  no,  its  not  fit 
That  Hypocrenes  pure  riuelings  of  wit, 
Should  haue  their  ftreame  with  honour  doubled) 
By  fuch  bafe  tenter-hooks  once  troubled. 
Let  this  be  then  amended  (and  with  hafte) 
Left  fome  of  thefe  profeffors  fhould  be  plac't, 
Before  thy  prohibition  come  to  ftay 
Thy  will-for  in,  they'le  hardlie  get  awaie. 

B  3  But 


But  if  I  heare  thee  Bacchus  after  this 

That  thou  arrefts  but  any  one  I  wifh 

Thou  fhould'ft  exempt  I  will  reuenged  be 

Ere  many  daies,  of  fome  of  thine  or  thee. 

And  thanks  vnto  my  Genius  (as  I  craue  it) 

Without  inuention  further  now  I  haue  it. 

And  thus  it  is  :  lie  to  the  Peuterer 

To  make  thy  quart  pots  greater  then  they  were  ; 

And  fo  condition  with  him,  as't  may  be 

Thou  wilt  confeffe  one  day  I  begar'd  thee  : 

Or  if  I  cannot  by  my  meanes  intreate 

Thy  pottle-pots  for  to  be  made  more  great 

Then  th'order  is,  or  th'Citties  ftampe  allowes, 

I  hope  I  (hall  preuaile  with  fome  of  thofe 

Who  are  appointed  by  their  charge  to  know, 

Whether  thy  pots  be  fealed  yea  or  no, 

That  fuch  as  are  not  feal'd  they  would  reueale  them, 

And  not  take  bribes  in  priuate  to  conceale  them  : 

Or  if  this  will  not  ferue,  I  will  deuife 

How  to  bring  th'potts  vnto  a  larger  fize ; 

Which  if  they  do  neglefl  but  to  performe, 

According  to  that  Nature  and  that  forme 

They  are  prefcrib'd,  then  on  default  they  mail 

Make  prefently  a  forfeiture  of  all, 

(Which  goods  confiscate  for  their  great  abufe, 

May  afterward  redound  vnto  the  vfe 

Of  all  fuch  noble  skinkers  (by  confeflion) 

As  were  deceiv'd  by  men  of  this  profeflion  ; 

But  this's  not  all  He  doe  :  Bacchus  mail  knowe 

His  naprie-drawers  mall  not  end  it  fo. 

Surueighers 


Surueighers  (hall  be-gett  (and  well  may  be) 

(For  worfer  trades  haue  fought  monopolye ; 

And  rais'd  their  ftate  by't)  which  lhall  ftriclly  take 

Examination,  whether  you  do  make 

Your  pottles  to  be  bruis'd,  bough'd,  crufht,  &  bent 

Vpon  fet  purpofe  and  for  this  intent, 

That  you  thereby  (which  is  a  common  crime) 

Might  fill  your  crazie  pots  with  leffer  wine, 

For  lefler  will  they  hold,  through  your  deceit, 

Being  drawne  in  and  made  by  you  more  ftraite : 

Yet  haue  I  left  the  Coopers  all  this  while, 

Which  I  do  know  haue  fome  art  to  beguile. 

And  therefore,  if  all  will  not  ferue  ;  He  feeke 

And  bribe  them  too,  to  make  your  veffels  leeke. 

Yea,  befide  this  (know  Bacchus)  I'ue  a  meane, 

Which  put  in  practice  will  vndoe  thee  cleane, 

And  thus  I  lay  my  proiect :  He  expreffe 

What  motiues  there  be  of  licentioufneffe, 

Within  thy  brothel  clofures,  and  with-all 

Complaine  of  thy  partitions,  how  the  fall 

Of  many  a  fimple  Virgine  (though  fhee's  loath, 

To  do't  poore-wench)  corns  from  a  painted  cloath, 

A  curtaine,  or  fome  hanging  of  like  fort,  (for't. 

Which  done  god-wot,  they'ue  caufe  to  curfe  thee 

And  that  this  might  better  preuented  be, 

I  will  prefer  petition  inftantly, 

That  thou  nor  none  of  thine  mould  fuffer  thence, 

(for  to  auoide  this  inconuenience) 

Any  of  different  fexes  being  but  payres, 

To  goe  in  priuate  manner  vp  the  ftaires  : 

B  4  And 


And  this  I  know  (if  that  my  aime  be  right, 

Will  goe  well  nie  to  ouerthrow  thee  quite. 

If  none  of  thefe  will  doe,  yet  fure  I  am 

There  is  a  creature  call'd  the  Puritan, 

Who'le  ferret  thee,  and  by  a  ftrift  furueigh 

Fine  thee  for  bouzing  on  the  Sabboath  day, 

Which  if  they  finde,  the  Righteous  they  will  curfe 

Though  their  example  it  be  ten  times  worfe. 

But  I  would  haue  thee  to  repreffe  all  this, 

Which  thou  fhalt  do  by  doing  what  I  wifh, 

And  that  with  reafon,  which  (as  I  haue  fayd  it) 

Is  but  to  giue  to  our  profeflion  credit : 

They'le  pay  the  man,  and  if  the  world  goe  hard, 

With  them  at  this  time,  yet  they'le  afterward, 

Regratulate  thy  loue  (paying  th'old  skore) 

Which  paide  they  will  make  bolde  to  run  on  more. 

For  tell  me  Bacchus,  though  the  world  appeare 

To  learned  men  as  if  no  learning  were  : 

And  that  the  golden  age  (not  as  it  was) 

Smiles  on  the  filken  foole,  or  golden  Affe  ; 

Yet  time  will  come  (yea  now  it  doth  begin 

To  (hew  it  felfe  (as  former  times  haue  been) 

When  wife  Minerua  (hall  no  honour  lacke, 

For  all  the  foole,  whofe  honour's  on  his  backe. 

But  I  (hall  dagger  Bacchus  if  I  ftay 

Longer  with  thee,  therefore  He  packe  awaie 

Vnto  thy  fifter  Ceres : — I  haue  fayd 

— Onely  looke  to  thy  plate,  for  all  is  paide. 


To 


To  the^Queene  of  Harueft,  daughter  and  heire 

to  Satume,  and  Ops,  Goddeffe  of  the  Corne 

flieafe,    Ladie    Soueraigneneffe    of  the   three     Valet 

Efam,  Beuar,  and  White-horfe,  Inuentres  of  the  SitL 

Sickle,  and  -weeding- Hooke :  muck  honoured 

by  theReede,  Corne  Pipe,  and  Whiftle;  and 

with  all  obferuance  attended  by 

Hobnaile  and  his 

company. 

Her  Deities  admirer  wifheth  many  a 
feafonable  Harueft. 

HAile  fruitfull  Ladie,  cheerer  of  our  time, 
Rare  in  thy  bewtie,  in  thy  ftate  diuine, 
Ripener  of  Harueft,  thou  it  is  whofe  birth 
Yields  full  encreafe  vnto  the  fertile  earth  : 
Thou  art  that  cheering  mother  that  renues        (dewes, 
The   Plow-mans  hope,   and  giues   their   toile   thofe 
Which  makes  them  happie,  may  my  Poems  pleafe 
Thy  honourd  felfe,  that  glads  vs  with  encreafe  : 
Yet  in  my  mirth  I  cannot  but  repine 
At  that  vnhappie  ackward  lofle  of  thine, 
That  thou  which  euer  haft  been  debonaire, 
Faire  in  thy  felfe,  making  our  fields  as  faire, 
With  thy  ender'd  refpe6t,  fhould  be  exilde, 
Of  due  content,  by  loofmg  of  thy  childe, 
Thy  heart,  thy  hope,  thy  loue,  and  thy  delight, 
Thy  deare  Proferpina,  whofe  vowe  is  plight 

Vnto 


IO 

Vnto,  alaffe  I  cannot  fpeake  it  well, 

That  black-blacht-blabber-lipt  foule  Prince  of  hell. 

Yet  be  contented,  manie  one  there  bee, 

Yea  I  know  fom  which  may  lament  with  thee 

For  their  ftraide  daughters,  who  I  much  doe  feare 

Are  lodged  now,  or  will  be  lodged  there. 

Lafle  it  is  nothing  for  maides  now  adaies 

For  which  of  them  (though  modeft)  hath  not  ftraies, 

In  youth,  in  age,  which  straying  I  doe  call, 

Dotage  in  maides,  and  that  is  worft  of  all. 

How  manie  haue  wee  in  this  error  fwerud, 

Who  in  themfelues  haue  iufty  wel  deferud. 

That  punifhment  thy  daughter  firft  regainde, 

'Las  I  haue  known  them,  though  they  feem  containd 

In  modeft  bounds,  yet  thus  much  I  will  fay, 

Thy  daughter  was  vnchaft,  &  fo  were  they. 

And  (pray  thee  Ceres)  credit  me  in  this, 

Though  my  proceeding  was  not  to  my  wifh, 

Yet  this  to  thy  due  comfort  I  muft  tell, 

Thy  daughter  doth  not  Hue  in  Hell 

Without  acquaintance,  yea  I  know  there  are, 

Though  they  in  fumptuous  raiment  and  in  fare 

Seeme  to  excell  the  worthies  of  our  Land, 

Yet  being  iuftly  poized  vnder  hand, 

They  are  as  neere  to  Pluto  and  his  heire, 

As  if  thofe  perfons  that  leffe  gorgeous  were, 

May  I  fpeake  more,  for  I  am  in  a  vaine, 

To  cull  ftrange  things  out  of  a  ftragling  braine, 

That  there's  no  wench  truly  ingenious, 

Wittie  by  nature,  or  ambitious 

In 


II 


In  her  conceipt,  but  that  the  time  will  come, 

That  fhe  will  wander  full  as  farre  from  home, 

As  ere  thy  deare  Proferpina  diftraide, 

Transform'd  from  beauty  of  a  louely  maidc, 

To  be  a  drudge  ('laffe  I  am  forc't  to  tell) 

Vnto  the  bafe-borne  Skinkird  bred  in  Hell. 

Doe  I  not  know  thee  Ceres'?  yes,  I  know 

Far  more  of  thee,  then  I  intend  to  (hew 

In  publique  eie :  'Laffe  I  doe  know  thy  worth, 

To  be  the  fruitfull  Mother  of  the  earth, 

Albions  faire-Foftermother,  yea  that  Queen, 

That  makes  a  hopefull  Harueft  to  be  feene. 

Within  our  flourie  Fields  :  if  I  might  fay, 

What  I  in  due  refpe6l  am  bound  alwaie 

For  to  expreffe  I  might  example  thee, 

To  be  the  glorie  of  our  progenie  ; 

Honour  of  ages,  and  fuccefle  of  time, 

Erre&ing  to  thy  felfe  that  noble  fhrine, 

Which  nere  fhall  be  defaced  by  time  or  age, 

The  beft  of  labour  in  our  Pilgrimage. 

Then  Ceres  let  thy  daughter  work,  for  one 

Thou  art  in  due  refpefl  admir'd  alone 

To  be  the  foueraigneffe  of  Albions  He, 

Who  when  retired  braines  doe  fleep  the  while, 

Shalt  fhew  thy  felfe  worthy  a  facred  power, 

Though  thy  vaine  daughter  play  in  hell  the  whore. 

Yea  fit  it  is,  and  futing  to  her  birth, 

She  fhould  play  baud  in  hell  plaid  whore  on  earth. 


To 


12 


To  the  Amarous  Queene  of  Delights,  Sole 
Empreffe  of  loue-ficke  Bedlams,  profes'd  patro- 
neffe  to  all  young  L  etchers,  Foundreffe  of  Midnight- 
Reuels,  Sentinell  to  many  a  crackt  Maidenhead,  andfole 
Benefactor  to  all  lafciuious  Nouices  ;  Beft  habilimented 
by  her  Coach  drawne  with  foure  Turtles,  bea- 
ring for  her  armes  a  Pricke  in  the  mid/I  of 
a  Center,  with  this  Motto ; 

Pungimur  in  Medio. 

And  on  the  other  Jide  a  woman-captiue  (in/lan- 
ced in  Penthifilaea,)  with  this  word, 

Vincitur  a  vi6lo,  victor. 

Her  much  Endered  and  affectionate  Paliurus  wijheth 

manie  long  delightful  night,  Mars  his  prefence,  Vulcans 

abfence,  much  good  fport  without  difcouerie, 

and  many  yeeres  yet  to  continue  her 

husbands  Liuery. 

a  Bacchus  and  Ceres  if  they  be  away, 

b  Small  good  doe  I  looke  for,  may  Venus  fay. 

/"~^Herry-lipt  Venus  with  thy  dimpled  Chin, 
V^Who  by  our  Letchers,  honourd  ftill  haft  bin  : 
For  a  braue  trading  damfell,  though't  may  feeme, 
By  my  neglect  of  thee,  that  I  haue  cleane 

•  Car  pit  enint  vires  paulatim  vritq.  videndo.    Fentina.     Virg. 
b  Res  •vulgaris  amor,  semel  insanimius  omnes. 

Defcar- 


13 

Defcarded  thee  and  thine,  yet  thou  fhalt  know  it ; 
Venus  hath  fome  aliance  with  a  Poet, 
And  that  a  neere  one  too :  for  pray  thee  fay, 
Who  can  expreffe  thy  bewty  anie  way, 
So  well  as  they  ?  and  though  they  onely  write, 
hauing  nere  hap  to  come  to  more  delight ; 
Yet  art  thou  much  endeared  to  their  Art, 
Though  they  can  fay  nought  for  the  praftick  part : 
Yet  mongft  our  Albion  Sibils  that  are  more, 
In  number  far,  then  merit,  wit,  or  power. 
Some  I  doe  know,  euen  of  the  pregnant'ft  men, 
That  loue  to  trade  with  Vemts  now  and  then. 
And  this  the  caufe  why  they  obferue  that  vfe, 
(As  I  haue  heard)  for  to  enflame  their  Mufe : 
And  fome  I  could  produce,  had  their  defire  ; 
For  they,  their  Mufe,  and  all  were  on  a  fire  : 
More  could  I  write  to  touch  thee  neerer'th  quick, 
But  as  thou  loues  thofe  ftroakes  are  fhort  &  thick. 
So  I  defire  the  very  fame  to  be 
In  writing  out  that  is  concerning  thee. 


To 


Honora.  1 5 

AnHeroyckeEmbleme'vpon  the  Warriour 
called  HONORA. 

TAra,  Tantara,  Honours  fignall  come, 
Whofe  beft  of  Muficke  is  the  warlike  Drumme, 
Come  braue  Tyndarian  fpirit,  heare  thy  glorie, 
Shrouded  too  long  in  pitchie  darke,  whofe  ftorie, 
Shall  (bine  and  fhew  it  felfe  more  faire,  more  bright, 
Then  chaft  Latona  on  the  fableft  night. 
Now  art  thou  much  admird  by  euery  eie, 
Though  lately  vaffald  to  captiuitie. 
Now  art  thou  fhowne  to  be  a  Monument, 
Of  former  glorie,  and  an  ornament, 
Fit  for  the  eare  of  Kings,  now  art  thou  one, 
Highly  efteemed,  that  was  of  late  as  none. 
Now  canft  thou  fhew  thy  merit  and  defert, 
To  be  deriued  from  a  royall  heart. 
Not  chafd  with  perfumes,  like  a  Carpet  Knight, 
That  cannot  fight  but  in  his  Ladies  fight. 
Not  fick  ofth  fafhions,  (like  this  amorous  frie 
Of  Nouice,  who  nere  knew  Enemie) 
Saue  their  difdainefull  Miftres  :  not  enthrald 
To  loue,  for  loue  thou  knowft  not  how  its  cald. 
What  ftile  it  has,  or  what  be  louers  charmes, 
Saue  that  pure  loue  which  thou  doft  beare  to  Armes. 
Not  feruile  to  each  apifh  complement, 
Saue  Honours  feruice,  and  Warres  management. 
Not  flaue  to  Fortune,  nor  engagd  to  fate, 
But  heire  to  refolution,  an  eftate 
More  eminent  and  glorious  to  thy  felfe, 
Then  all  the  mifers-Mammons  mouldred-pelfe. 
Not  vaine-like  proud  of  Titles,  but  haft  Art, 
To  make  thy  waie  to  Honour  by  Defert. 
Not  gage  to  proftitution,  for  the  name 
Of  Souldiour  hate  fuch  an  ignoble  ftaine. 

Not 


1 6  Honora. 

Not  lure  to  lucre,  but  doft  make  thy  blood, 

An  inftrument  vnto  thy  countries  good  : 

Not  in  appearance,  or  in  outward  fliow, 

To  feem  to  know  what  thou  didft  neuer  know, 

Not  humorous,  occafioning  offence, 

But  with  pure  valour  mixing  patience  ; 

That  two  reduc't  to  one,  one  drawen  from  two, 

Might  make  thee  apt  to  fpeake,  &  prompt  to  doe. 

Long  haft  thou  flept,  and  fome  did  thinke  it  ill 

To  wake  thee,  but  to  let  thee  fleepe  on  ftilL 

But  how  can  refolution  lie  inter'd 

Alas  how  far  haue  vulgar  iudgements  er'd  ? 

To  thinke  thee  fenfelefnes  ?  No,  thou  didft  but  winke, 

For  to  obferue  what  other  men  would  thinke 

Of  thy  retired  filence,  now  thou  haft 

Rub'd  ore  thy  gummie  eies,  &  ruunes  as  faft 

To  thy  intendements  forct  from  coaft  to  coaft, 

As  willing  to  redeeme  what  thou  haft  loft. 

Hallow  amaine,  downe  by  the  flowrie  vale 

Of  honour  and  renowne  difplay  thy  faile, 

Trample  on  Baftard-greatneffe,  bruite  their  fhame, 

That  are  efteemed  onely  great  in  name, 

Without  demerit,  tell  them  worth  fhould  be 

Drawn  from  our  felues,  not  from  our  familie. 

Bid  them  wipe  of  that  painting  from  their  cheeke, 

Its  too  effeminate  and  bid  them  feeke, 

Actions  that  feeme  them  better :  its  not  amber, 

Sleeking,  or  chafing  in  a  Ladies  chamber, 

Phantaftick  humors,  amorous  conceipts, 

Fafhion  inuentors  finne  feducing  baits, 

What 


of  Brittaine.  1 7 

What  fuch  a  Mounfeyr  wore,  or  what  Tyres  be 

Of  eminent  requeft  in  Italic. 

No,  no,  our  perfum'd  Gallants  now  muft  looke, 

Like  to  the  fonnes  of  Valour,  fmer'd  with  fmoke, 

Steeled  with  fpirit,  arm'd  with  beft  of  youth, 

Dire6lly  planted  'fore  a  Cannons  mouth. 

Shake  not  (my  dapper  Courtier)  though  thou  heare 

Nought  but  the  voice  of  thunder  euery  where  : 

Or  if  the  noife  of  armes  breed  in  thee  feare, 

(No  leffe  then  death)  go  on  and  flop  thine  eare  ? 

Bouge  not  a  foot  (or  if  thou  feare  to  kill) 

Winke,  and  then  fay,  thou  murders  gainft  thy  will. 

How  likeft  thou  this  ?  This  is  no  camp  for  loue, 

Nor  muft  thy  wreath  be  heere  a  Ladies  gloue. 

Anticke  and  apifh  fafhions  will  not  feme, 

In  this  enobled  field,  fuch  as  deferue, 

By  a  peculiar  merit  mall  receiue 

The  Guerdon  of  their  Valour,  and  in  Graue 

Shall  finde  a  liuing  monument,  which  men 

Admiring  much,  mail  euer  honour  them. 

And  is  not  this  a  nobler  monument, 

Then  fpend  our  time  in  fruitleffe  complements. 

Spend  a  whole  age  in  making  of  a  legge, 

Or  feeking  how  fome  office  we  may  begge. 

Trading  for  vndeferued  Honour,  got 

By  feruile  meanes,  and  by  the  fimpleft  fot, 

That  knowes  not  Honours  effence,  O  may  I 

Rather  then  be  fo  Honor'd  wifh  to  dye 

In  the  obfcureft  manner,  that  when  Time 

Shall  fhroud  my  afhes  in  a  homely  fhrine, 

C  Some 


j  8  Honora. 

Some  earthy  vrne,  yet  may  my  memorie 

Liue  without  reach  of  enuie  after  me. 

Sacred  Bellona,  valours  choiceft  Saint, 

For  now  by  thee  flic  we  vnto  our  tent. 

Infufe  true  refolution  in  the  minde 

Of  thy  profeffors,  that  their  fpirits  may  finde 

What  difference  there  is  in  honours  fight, 

Twixt  a  good  Souldier  and  a  carpet-Knight. 

His  perfume's  powder,  and  his  harmonic 

Reports  of  Cannons,  for  his  brauerie, 

Barded  with  fteele  and  Iron,  for  the  voice, 

Of  amorous  Ganimedes,  the  horrid  noife 

Of  clattering  armour,  for  a  Downie  bed 

The  chill  cold  ground,  for  pillow  to  their  head, 

Tinckt  with  muske  Rofes,  Target  and  their  fhield, 

For  gorgeous  Roomes,  the  purprife  of  the  field, 

For  nimble  capring,  Marching,  for  the  tune 

Of  mouing  conforts,  ftriking  vp  a  drumme, 

For  dainties,  hunger  ;  thus  is  honour  fed, 

With  labour  got,  and  care  continued. 

Can  this  content  my  Courtier  ?  yes,  it  may, 

When  his  laciuious  night  and  fruitles  day, 

His  manie  idle  howers  employed  worfe, 

(Though  better  deem'd)  then  fuch  whofe  vagrant 

Incurs  a  penal  cenfure  ;  fhall  be  paft,  (courfe 

And  he  with  whip  of  confcience  throughly  lafh't, 

Shall  bid  adue  to  Ladie  vanitie 

To  Courts  applaufe,  to  humors  phantafie, 

To  honours  vndeferu'd,  to  parafites, 

To  fafhions-brocage,  and  to  all  delights. 

Which 


Honor  a.  1 9 

Which  reape  no  fruit,  no  guerdon,  nor  reward, 
Saue  care  on  earth,  repentance  afterward  : 
Where  luftice  oft  is  forc't  from  her  intent 
Goodnejfe  being  onely  caufe  of  puni/hment. 
Where  violence  (fo  ftrong  be  great  men  growne) 
Makes  right  fuppreft',  and  iuftice  ouerthrowne. 
Where  fmnes  in  cloth  of  Tiffue  faire  defcri'de, 
Make  that  wife  Sages  Axiome  verifi'de. 
"  A  great  mans  foe  oft  by  experience proues, 
"  Of  all  that  be,  no  thunder  like  to  loues, 
Heere  Magiftrates  are  clad  in  violet, 
Becaufe  pure  luftice  they  doe  violate. 
Here  vice  is  mounted,  vertue  Hues  defpif'd, 
The  worft  efleem'd,  the  better  meanely  priz'd. 
Corruption  rides  on  foote-cloth,  (fome  auerre) 
And  vpright  dealing  fhee  does  lackie  her. 
Honour's  afraide  of  Sergeants,  merits  fad, 
And  Hues  as  one  without  obferuance  had. 
Wifdom's  out  of  requeft,  for  temperance, 
Shee's  neuer  knowne  but  in  a  Moris  daunce. 
And  purple  luftice  feldom's  feene  to  paffe, 
To  any  Court,  but  riding  one  an  Affe. 
What  then  but  valour  mould  fupport  the  State, 
And  make  a  Realme  by  vice  growne  defolate. 
See  her  owne  fhame,  and  in  her  fhame  conceiue, 
The  bleft  memorial  of  an  happie  graue. 
"  On  then  with  honour,  let  the  vfurer 
Made  ftiffe  with  plenty,  feele  the  mock  of  war, 
And  tremble,  fearing  leaft'  mould  be  his  lot, 
To  loofe  by  warre  what  his  opprefllon  got. 

C  2  Let 


2O  To  the  Poet-afters 

Let  the  prophane  contemner  of  Gods  power 

Be  mou'd  by  terrour,  let  the  Paramour, 

Glaz'd  with  a  fhamelefie  fore  head  leaue  her  fmne, 

The  youthfull  Prodigall,  thofe  nets  hee's  in. 

Let  the  prodigious  ftate-engrofler  feele, 

What  harme  h'as  done  vnto  the  Common-weale. 

Let  th'afpiring  birth  of  Dathan  fee, 

The  end  of  them,  and  their  confpiracie. 

Let  all  lafciuious  Minions  hence  reclaime, 

Their  odious  Hues,  and  put  on  robes  of  fhame. 

Let  publique  Haxfters  (now  the  moft  of  all) 

That  in  their  heat,  would  quarrell  for  the  wall, 

Stand  to  their  Tacklings,  let  both  youth  and  age, 

Show  diftincl:  worths  in  diftant  Equipage. 

Lead  on  Honora,  that  in  time  report, 

May  make  a  Campe-Knight  gracious  in  the  Court. 

So  nobleft  minds  in  bed  of  Actions  fhowne, 

May  challenge  Honour  when  it  is  their  owne. 

Vpon  the  Generall  Sciolifts  or  Poettafters 
of  Britannic. 

A  Satyre. 

COme  Arethufe  come,  for  nere  had  we, 
At  any  time  a  greater  need  of  thee. 
No  Lawrell  now,  but  Nettle's  beft  to  grace 
Our  Laureat  Poet :  fee  his  vncouth  face, 
Vnapt  for  poefie  :  his  ftrange  difguife, 
Onely  addreft  (in  Verfe)  to  Temporize : 
Now  Parafites  proue  Poets,  and  exprefle 
Their  oyly  workes  :  for  what  is  more  or  lefle 

Dilated 


of  Brittaine.  2 1 

Dilated  on,  is  confecrate  to  men, 

That  are  the  greateft  :  O  what  need  is  then, 

To  thee  (deere  Arthuje)  that  didft  frame, 

A  Poet  to  the  nature  of  his  name  ? 

No  time-obferuing  fmooth-fac'd  fycophant, 

No  ftrange  conceited  Affe  whofe  Element 

Is  to  infmuate  vnder  the  (hade 

Of  a  great  Mounfeyrs  elbow,  thour't  prou'd  lade 

To  thy  profeflion,  not  a  faffron  band, 

But  like  a  roaring  boye,  can  make  thee  ftand 

And  yeeld  obferuance  to  him  :  filly  foole, 

That  Artleffe  idiots  fhould  bring  to  fchoole, 

The  beft  of  Mufes,  thou  that  once  waft  borne, 

Not  as  our  great  Afteons,  to  the  home 

Of  their  dilhonour,  (being  of  ioy  bereft) 

Leauing  to  others  what  themfelues  haue  left. 

(Worfe  by  degrees  then  was  that  Phcebus  Car, 

Which  Phaeton  by  rafh  attempts  did  marre  : 

And  cleere  diffolues)  laffe  fee  thy  Trophies  torne, 

Thy  ftatues  razed  :  and  that  Mount  forlorne 

Which  firft  poffeft  the  Mufes  :  now  no  wreath 

Can  be  hung  vp  to  memorize  the  death 

Of  any  great  man,  why  for  vertues  due, 

Bids  euery  Poet  (in  his  verfe)  fpeake  true 

Of  fuch  as  are  deceafed  :  its  true,  who  then 

Speaking  no  more  then  truth,  can  praife  fuch  men, 

As  rather  were  then  liu'd  ?  being,  but  not 

In  reall  effence,  las  what  fame  is  got 

By  fuch  as  write  of  thefe  (whofe  only  good) 

Is  to  auerre  they  were  of  Noble  bloud. 

C  3  But 


22  To  the  Poet-after s 

But  fo  much  difproportion'd  to  their  name, 
As  what  thy  feem'd,  they  feldome  were  the  fame. 
The  fame  ;  O  noe,  their  garifh  ornament, 
Their  wanton  guife,  their  Loue-ficke  complement, 
Their  ftrange  diftraftions,  their  deformed  ftate, 
Transform'd  from  Englifh  to  Italienate, 
Exprefle  fmall  comfort  to  a  Poets  penne, 
Which  onely  fhould  delight  in  fhewing  them 
Vnto  the  worlds  eye,  whofe  fame  fucceedes, 
And  makes  them  Noble  by  Heroicke  deedes, 
Drawen  from  the  line  of  Honour  :  but  how  farre 
Seeme  Poets  in  thefe  latter  times  to  erre  ? 
Who  write  not  for  refpect,  or  due  efteeme, 
Had  to  their  owne  profeffion,  but  to  gaine 
The  fauour  of  a  great  one,  this  it  is, 
Giues  priuiledge  to  men  that  doe  amiffe  : 
Such  be  our  ranke  of  Poets  now  adayes, 
As  they  adorne  th'Immerited  with  praife 
Aboue  defert     Hence  is  it  that  we  bring 
The  Art  of  Poetry  to  Ballading. 
Hence  is  it,  that  the  Courtier  may  intend 
A  ftrange  pretended  proiect  for  no  end, 
Saue  to  augment 's  expence,  a  fuites  begun, 
Which  makes  a  filly  Farmer  quite  vndone, 
Without  all  hope  of  compofition  :  1'affe 
That  fuch  tranfgreffions  fhould  fo  freely  paffe, 
Without  controulement.     Many  we  haue  heere, 
That  can  compofe  their  Verfe,  but  in  a  fphere 
So  different  to  the  time,  as  they  defcry 
Their  want  of  braines  to  each  Judicious  eye. 

Yea 


of  Brittaine.  23 

Yea  fome  I  know  are  Poets  in  this  time 

Who  write  of  fwains,  might  write  as  well  of  fwine, 

For  th'  profit  of  their  labours  is  fo  fmall, 

As  t'were  farre  better  not  to  write  at  all, 

Then  to  confume  fuch  pretious  time  in  vaine, 

About  a  fruitleffe,  and  defertleffe  flraine  : 

Better  indeed  :  when  in  their  Makers  fight, 

They  muft  accomptants  be  of  what  they  write, 

Whofe  eyes  be  purer,  and  extenfion  beare, 

Aboue  th'Dimenfion  of  a  common  fphere. 

Yet  ranke  I  not  (as  fome  men  doe  fuppofe) 

Thefe  worthleffe  fwaines  amongft  the  laies  of  thofe 

Time-honour'd  Shepheards  (for  they  ftill  (hall  be) 

As  well  they  merit)  honoured  of  mee, 

Who  beare  a  part,  like  honeft  faithfull  fwaines, 

On  witty  Wither  neuer-withring  plaines,        (feru'd, 

For  thefe  (though  feeming  Shepheards)  haue  de- 

To  haue  their  names  in  lading  Marble  caru'd  : 

Yea  this  I  know  I  may  be  bold  to  fay, 

Thames  ner'e  had  f wans  tJiat  fong  more  fweet  tJian  they. 

It's  true  I  may  auow't,  that  nere  was  fong, 

Chanted  in  any  age  by  fwains  fo  young, 

With  more  delight  then  was  perform'd  by  them, 

Pretily  fhadow'd  in  a  borrowed  name. 

And  long  may  Englands  Thefpian  fprings  be  known 

"  By  lonely  Wither  and  by  bonny  Browne, 

Whileft  folid  Seldon,  and  their  Cuddy  too, 

Sing  what  our  (Swaines  of  old)  could  neuer  doe. 

Yea  I  do  hope,  fith  they  fo  well  can  write, 

Of  Shep-heards  fport,  and  of  the  fields  delight 

C  4  That 


24  To  tfo  Poet-afters 

That  when  they  come  to  take  a  view  of  th'  Court, 

(As  fome  haue  done)  and  haue  bin  mew'd  vp  for't, 

They'l  tell  her  freely,  (as  full  well  they  may) 

That  in  their  ludgements,  after  due  furuay, 

Of  th'  Court  &  th'  Cottage,  they  may  well  maintain, 

Vices  in  the  Court,  but  vertues  in  the  Swaine  ; 

And  happy  be  thofe  Authors  which  doe  giue 

Vertue  and  vice  their  titles,  they  fhall  Hue 

In  fpite  of  Enuie,  when  fuch  men  as  teach 

That  fuch  be  onely  vertuous  as  be  rich, 

Shall  lye  inter'd  where  fame  fhall  neuer  finde  them, 

For  fuch  doe  feldome  leaue  a  name  behind  them. 

Laffe  they  muft  dye  and  perifh,  fo  muft  we, 

Nor  can  we  gaine  ought  of  eternity : 

Saue  that  we  Hue,  Oh  then  how  bleft  are  they 

That  fpend  their  life  in  weighing  of  their  daies. 

But  of  profeffants,  which  compofe  their  fong 

To  a  ftrange  defcant !  this  He  fay  they  wrong 

Flowrie  Parnaffus,  where  fuch  vfed  to  be, 

As  in  themfelues  made  one  fet  company. 

Thefe  fung  not  what  they  knew  not,  but  in  Verfe, 

What  time  had  taught  them  they  vfe  to  rehearfe, 

And  to  reduce  it  to  one  perfe6l  forme, 

Striuing  by  proper  figures  to  adorne 

Ech  worke,  ech  compofition  :  but  lafTe  now 

How  farre's  that  alteration  ?  where  we  know 

Left  that  we  write,  adding  to  our  eftate 

(Begg'd  meerely)  by  a  great  mans  Dedicate. 

Heere  is  no  fubftance,  but  a  fimple  peece 

Of  gaudy  Rhetoricke  :  Which  if  it  pleafe, 

Yeelds 


of  Brittaine.  25 

Yeelds  th'  Author  dear-contentment :  thus  we  ftraine 

The  Mufes  Text  for  a  peculiar  gaine 

Vnto  our  felues  :  hence  is  it  vice  abides, 

(And  lording-like  in  filken  foot-cloath  rides.) 

Hence  is  it  Land-lords  make  their  tenants  flaues: 

Hence  is  it  wafte-goods  ope  their  fathers  graues  : 

Hence  is  it  Mammonifts  adore  their  golde  : 

Hence  is't  the  impious  to  perdition  folde : 

Hence  Sacriledge  a  priuiledge  obtaines  : 

Hence  th'  fneking  Lawyer  by  his  Clyent  gaines  : 

Hence  th'  Politician,  what  fo  ere  befall, 

Will  to  his  trade  and  fhew  a  Machiuell. 

Hence  imports  rife  extortions  violence, 

Graced  by  men  that  haue  moft  eminence.  (it) 

Hence  Sergeants  walk  vnfroted  (though  they  know 

No  friend  is  worfe  then  Sergeant  to  a  Poet. 

Hence  painted  faces  (like  ill  wine  in  caske) 

Shrow'd  their  deform'd  complexions  vnder  maske  : 

Hence  curious  Courtiers,  gorgeoufly  arrayd, 

Weare  more  vpon  their  backe  then  ere  was  paide  : 

Hence  th'  baudie  Pandor,  feruile  to  his  whore, 

And  hence  the  Baude  that  keeps  the  traders  dore  ; 

Hence  bafe  informers  take  their  borrowed  light, 

Liuing  like  Owles  that  vfe  to  flic  by  night  : 

Hence  wanton  Prodigals  that  fpend  their  ftate, 

And  'gin  repentance  when  it  is  too  late. 

Hence  young  and  old,  hence  each  in  their  degree, 

Challenge  to  them  a  due  Monopolie. 

O  how  Mimruas  temple's  now  difgrac't, 

By  th'skum  of  Poetry !  flie  that  was  plac't 

Once 


26  To  tJie  Poet-tafters 

Once  like  th'  Ephejian  Queene  in  a  pure  fhrine 

Of  honour  and  delight,  now's  forc't  to  pine. 

And  languifh  in  her  bewty,  being  depreft, 

By  fuch  men  mod,  whom  fhe  fufpec~leth  left. 

Vnpiniond  Mufes  (fuch  as  nere  could  flie) 

Further  then  vnplum'd  birds  now  prefle  as  high 

As  Eagles  ;  which  by  the  Colour  you  may  know, 

As  eminent  and  cleere  as  Flaccus  Crow  : 

Thefe  fteale  felected  flowers  from  others  wit, 

And  yet  proteft  their  nature  brookes  not  it, 

They  are  (for  both)  fo  inuented  by  their  art. 

Making  their  pen  the  difplayer  of  their  heart. 

They  brooke  no  Brocage,  yet  has  workes  in  prefle, 

Which  they  are  guiltleffe  of :  but  this  were  lefle, 

Worthy  reproofe,  if  in  their  gleaned  lines, 

Like  our  age  Criticks  they  would  curbe  thefe  times 

For  petulancie  :  but  fo  vaine  be  they, 

As  they  runne  ftill  in  that  high-beaten  way 

Of  errour,  by  directing  men  amiffe, 

Penning  whole  volumes  of  licentioufnefle, 

Defcanting  on  my  Ladies  Rofie  lip, 

Her  Cinthian  eie,  her  bending  front,  her  trip, 

Her  bodies  motion,  notion  of  her  time, 

All  which  they  weaue  vp  in  a  baudy  Rime. 

For  fince  there's  no  obferuance,  Accent  neither 

(Sith  fence  and  accent  feldome  goe  together.) 

O  what  afperfions  doe  thefe  lay  on  her, 

Who  beares  the  onely  natiue  character. 

Of  her  deere  iflues  merit :  fhee,  I  meane, 

Without  whofe  nourifhment  we  had  not  been, 

She 


of  Brittaine.  2  7 

She  without  whofe  embrace,  the  folid  earth, 
Had  quite  interr'd  the  honour  of  our  birth  : 
She  without  whom  we  haue  no  biding  place, 
No  manfion,  no  repofe  :  fhe  by  whofe  grace 
We  are  inhabitants,  planted  in  reft, 
Sucking  pure  milke  out  of  her  tender  breft. 
She  whofe  our  Guardian  gouerning  our  ftate 
Shoring  our  weakneffe,  arming  vs  'gainft  fate, 
Guiding  our  path-leffe  paflage,  brething  life 
Into  our  dulneffe  :  midiating  ftrife 
Becaufe  (a  peacefull  mother)  chering  vs 
With  folace,  when  depreft,  tricking  our  Mufe, 
With  feemly  fubiecls  (that  whil'ft  fhepheards  fmg) 
Of  rurall  paftimes,  midft  their  fonneting, 
The  grauer  ranke  might  compofitions  make, 
Not  for  themfelues  but  for  their  countries  fake : 
Alaffe  poore  countrie  ;  where  is  all  that  ftore 
Of  diuine  wits  that  thou  haft  bred  before  ? 
Where  is  that  Quint-effence  of  poefie, 
That  in  (fore-times)  was  wont  to  breath  on  thee  : 
Like  a  coole  Zephirus  ?  Hybles  pure  mount, 
Renowm'd  in  former  ages  and  that  Fount, 
Of  facred  Caftalie  lie  defolate. 
For  they  with  theirs  haue  loft  their  former  ftate 
Of  Greatneffe  :  no  proportion  nor  no  flower 
Decks,  with  a  dafie  Border,  that  fweet  Bower 
Where  Cinthia  vs'd  to  reuell :  but  as  th'  port 
Of  houfe-keeping  is  now  tranfport'd  to  Court, 
"  Leauing  their  Country-houfes,  which  men  looke 
"  And  gafe  at  long  ere  they  can  fee  them  fmoke  : 

So 


28  To  the  Poet -afters 

So  fruitfull  Hefperie,  which  vs'd  to  be 
The  Ren-de  uou  for  facred  poefie 
Leuing  to  be  her  felfe,  fhuts  vp  her  dore  ? 
Hence  is  the  bankrout  poet  becom'd  poore  : 
Hence  is't  hee's  forc't  to  write  not  for  the  eafe 
Of  his  owne  minde  (but  as  his  Patrons  pleafe.) 
Hence  ift  that  errors  muft  be  Vertues  deem'd, 
Becaufe,  poore  Poet,  its  by  Fate  ordain'd, 
That  if  he  will  not  humour,  he  muft  fterue  : 
"  For  Great-men  loue  not  heare  what  they  deferue. 
How  iealous  be  our  times  of  their  deferts, 
When  they  fuppreffe  the  eminence  of  arts  ? 
Making  them  fpeechleffe  whereas  we  do  fee, 
If  perfons  were  difpos'd  as  they  fhould  be; 
Their  fmcere  confcience  (like  a  brazen  wall) 
Might  beare  them  vp  what  euer  fhould  befall. 
Then  might  our  Satyre  mixe  his  inke  with  gal, 
But  with  his  mixture  do  no  hurt  at  all. 
Then  might  our  fcepticke  giue  his  iudgement  free, 
yet  do  fmall  harme  to  mens  integritie. 
Then  might  the  Lawyer  pleade  without  offence  ; 
Not  feare  his  Confcience  with  a  faire  pretence 
Of  doing  good,  when  his  corrupted  will 
Vnder  pretence  of  good,  acts  what  is  ill. 
Then  might  the  diuels  Factors  liue  like  men, 
That  haue  a  god,  nor  for  the  hundred  ten  ; 
Receiuing  with  aduantage  need'd  they  pay, 
A  greater  fumme  at  that  fame  latter  daie, 
When  due  accompts  are  had  :  6  vfurie 
That  art  the  Cities  fcourge,  how  much  haue  we 

Occa- 


of  Brittaine.  29 

Occafion  to  profcribe  thee  from  our  land, 

Since  by  thy  meanes  haue  we  felt  heauens  hand 

More  heauy  and  reuenging  then  before, 

VVhofe  wrath  has  vialls  euer  laid  in  ftore 

To  punifh  impious  men  :  its  thou  (fowle  fin) 

Which  haft  hal'd  downe  the  infection  we  haue  feene 

Rage  in  this  famous  He :  its  thou  whofe  hight 

Hath  turn'd  our  day  of  comfort  to  a  night 

Of  great  affliction :  for  who  more  can  be 

Afflicted  in  himfelfe,  then  inwardly 

Feeling  the  worme  of  Confcience  gnawing  him 

Torment  conforting  with  that  birth  of  finne 

Wherein  he's  nurtured  :  alas  poore  lie  ! 

That  thou  fhouldft  fofter  fuch  as  do  defile 

Thy  once  renowmed  borders  with  the  hate 

Of  a  fupernall  power,  making  thy  ftate 

Pray  to  oppreffion,  vaffalling  thy  fame 

(Which  once  was  glorious)  to  thy  odious  name 

Of  miferie  :  Great  Albion  now  is  growne 

Poore  in  her  felfe,  becaufe  what  is  her  owne 

She  cannot  vfe  but  in  depraued  wife, 

Makes  her  selfe  fubie6l  to  all  forraine  eyes 

As  vices  fpectacle  :  6  that  the  bliffe 

Which  we  enioy  by  minds  Synderyjis 

Th'  refined  part  of  man,  mould  foyled  be 

By  th'  worft  of  ils  the  ftaine  of  vfury  ? 

And  who'le  inueigh  againft  it,  few  or  none, 

For  mifer-Nature  hardly  leaues  vs  one, 

That  can  fecurely  fpeake  againft  this  ill 

So  generall  is  the  poifon  of  our  will : 

For 


30  The  Poet-afters 

For  (deere  Pernaffus  now  is  fo  oppreft) 

It  dare  not  fpeake  for  feare  that  intereft, 

Should  be  demaunded  by  the  Vfurer 

To  whom  it  ftands  engag'd  :  this  is  the  fate 

That  Poets  haue,  to  leaue  more  wit  then  ftate 

To  their  pofteritie  :  6  impious  time  ! 

When  wbrft  of  Fortune  followes  wits  diuine  ; 

When  noble  actions  motiue  in  their  fpirit, 

Can  leaue  nought  to  their  Iffue  to  inherit : 

Saue  their  poore  fathers  papers,  monuments 

Scarce  worth  refpe<5t :  how  weakes  the  Element 

Which  Poets  are  compos'd  of,  when  one  frowne 

Sent  from  a  great  mans  vifage  can  keepe  downe 

Their  beft  inuention  ?  filly  poefie, 

That  (though  free  borne,  art  forc't  to  flauery, 

And  vndeferu'd  fubiection  :  pittie  it  is, 

That  beft  of  merit  fhould  fhut  vp  her  wifh  ; 

And  dew  expectance  in  no  other  booke, 

Saue  in  a  Ikrew'd  face  or  a  writhed  looke ; 

Vnfit  to  entertaine  an  Art  diuine 

Which  is  expreft  in  that  poore  Mufe  of  thine. 

Come,  come,  great  regent  of  that  facred  quire, 

Come  in  thy  felfe  and  fo  our  foules  infpire 

With  Arts  Elixir  and  with  fpirit  toe, 

That  we  may  do  with  boldnes  what  we  do  : 

Erecl:  our  aged  fortunes  make  them  fhine 

(Not  like  the  foole  in's  foot-cloath)  but  like  Time, 

Adorn'd  with  true  experiments  which  may 

Conuert  our  odious  night  to  glorious  day. 

Let  not  Ambition  mounted  in  her  ftate 

Paffe 


of  Brittaine.  3 1 

Paffe  vncontrol'd  :  care  not  for  getting  hate  : 

"  For  honeft  minds  are  be/I  approued  Jlill, 

"  By  gaining  hate  in  curbing  what  is  ill. 

*  Let  not  thefe  painted  blocks  of  luuenal, 

Which  for  their  cloaths  are  moft  admir'd  of  al 

Stand  vnreproou'd  :  let  not  their  dangling  plume 

So  daunt  thee,  as  thou  dare  not  well  prefume 

To  blazon  their  defects,  fpeake  what  thou  feeft 

And  care  not  who  be  pleas'd,  or  who  difpleas'd. 

Let  not  moth-eaten  Auarice  appeare 

In  this  deere  He,  without  her  Character : 

Lafh  me  the  Symonift,  who  though  precife 

In  fhew,  can  geld  his  Parfons  Benifice. 

Gall  me  (our  graine-engroffers)  moulds  of  th'  earth, 

That  in  their  plentie  laugh  at  others  dearth. 

Roufe  me  the  Atheift,  let's  fecurity 

Heare  th'iudgement  of  fupernall  maieflie 

Thundring  againft  him  :  let  th'lafciuious 

Know  their  bed-broking  fin,  how  odious 

Their  fenfuall  meetings  are  to  his  pure  eyes, 

Who  euen  the  fecrets  of  our  hearts  efpies, 

Searching  our  reines,  examining  our  hearts, 

Difcuffmg  each  intention  (and  all  parts) 

That  haue  a  working  faculty  :  Euen  he 

That  well  approues  of  morall  poefie, 

He  that  confirmes  the  motions  of  our  minde, 

And  breath's  vpon  them  if  to  good  inclinde. 

Let  not  fin-tempting  wanton  Mermaids  reft 

Without  due  cenfure,  who  with  naked  breft, 

*  Truncoq  ;  Simillimus  Heros.  luuenal. 

Atrac- 


32  To  the  Poet-afters 

Attra&iue  eye,  and  garifh  Complement 

Enfnare  our  fond  vnwary  Innocent : 

Thefe  are  thofe  Babell  publique  proftitutes, 

Lures  to  damnation,  Romane  Catamites, 

Inuentrefles  of  pleafures,  penfiue  ftill 

To  doe  whats  good,  but  frolike  to  doe  ill. 

O  London  how  thy  Vanity  abounds, 

Glorying  in  that  which  thy  renowne  confounds. 

Traduced  fafhions  from  the  Dutch  to  French, 

From  French  to  Spanifh,  and  not  longer  fmce, 

Then  yeflerday,  blufh  at  thy  fmne  for  fhame, 

That  Albion  (by  thy  meanes)  fhould  lofe  her  name, 

And  habit  too  :  fee,  fee,  how  farre  thou'rt  gone. 

Beyond  thy  felfe,  that  therer's  no  fafhion  knowne, 

In  forraine  Courts,  deform'd  howfoere  it  be, 

But  by  tranfportance  it  doth  come  to  thee. 

Laffe  how  immodeft  art  thou  to  expreffe, 

Thy  felfe  fo  much  by  others  fafhions  leffe  ? 

How  ftrangely  Metamorphif'd  to  partake, 

For  Angells  forme,  the  moft  deformed  fhape, 

That  Countries  can  bring  out :  6  pittie  tis 

That  Albions  much  admir'd  Metropolis, 

Should  make  thofe  which  admir'd  her  now  to  hate 

Her  vaine  condition  (introduc'd  by  flate 

Too  plentifull :  Here  you  Hefperian  wits 

May  you  haue  fubiect  more  then  well  befits 

A  modeft  pen  :  for  nere  was  any  time 

More  prone  to  ill :  no  Region,  countrey,  clime, 

Prouince,  Ifle,  Regiment  fo  truly  bleft 

With  all  earths  bounties,  yet  hath  leffe  expreft, 

Of 


of  Brittaine.  33 

Of  gratitude  :  here  Satirifts  refort, 
And  make  an  ample  coment  on  the  Court, 
Where  thou  fhalt  write,  fom's  wanton,  others  vaine, 
Ambitious  fome,  others  doe  couet  gaine 
By  feruile  meanes  :  fome  beggars,  yet  who  dare 
Write  in  thefe  daies  that  any  fuch  there  are. 
Then  (my  fharp  tooth'd  Satire)  frame  thy  ditty 
In  the  fame  forme,  vnrip  the  Crimes  of  'th  Citty 
With  a  fterne  brow  :  tell  the  purple  Magiftrate, 
How  he  has  raif'd  himfelfe  to  great  eftate 
By  others  ruine  :  fuch  as  Mercers  are, 
Tell  them  darke  fhops  haue  got  away  ill  ware. 
'Such  as  be  Gold-fmiths,  and  are  dangerous, 
Call  them  the  Siluer-fmith  of  Ephefus. 
Long  Hue  Diana,  but  no  longer  then 
By  their  Diana  they  doe  reape  a  gaine. 
Such  as  be  Brokers,  tell  them  their  profeflion, 
Is  not  to  be  a  knaue  o'th  first  edition. 
But  as  thofe  garments  which  are  brought  to  them, 
Vfe  to  be  worne  before  by  other  men  : 
Euen  fo  they  broke  their  vices  and  receiue 
Som  crimes  wrapt  vp  i'th  garmets  which  they  haue, 
Tell  them  of  Wapping,  bid  them  thankfull  be, 
That  there  is  lustice  had  for  Piracie  : 
For  if  that  were  not  (it  may  well  be  faid) 
Many  their  fhops  would  be  vnfurnifhed, 
But  in  the  Country  now  my  Mufe  fhall  be, 
For  brooke  fhee'le  not  a  Brokers  Company. 
Here  (halt  thou  see  th'pifture  of  Auarice,         (eyes, 
Thin-cheek'd,  raw-bon'd,  faint-breath,  and  hollow- 

D  Nose- 


34  To  the  Poet-afters 

Nofe-dropping,  rhewme-deftilling,  driueling  mouth 
Hand-shaking,  haire  down-falling,  th'mifers  cough, 
Legs  goutie,  knees  vnweldy,  hand  on  cruch, 
Eies  in  his  bofome,  gafmg  on  his  pouch, 
His  labour  torment,  reft  he  cannot  take, 
When  all  are  fleeping,  he  is  forc't  to  wake  : 
His  Eies  are  euer  ope,  for  riches  keepe 
His  eies  vnclofed  :  The  mifer  cannot  Jleepe. 
He's  his  owne  anguifh,  fuch  an  impious  elfe, 
Thats  ill  to  all,  but  worft  vnto  himfelfe. 
He  has  not  bookes  whereon  to  meditate, 
Onely  a  debt  booke  and  an  Alminake. 
The  one's  for  forfeitures,  where  he  will  pore, 
And  daie  by  day  trauers  them  ore  and  ore  : 
Th'other's  his  Enterlude  that  yeelds  him  mirth. 
Seeing  predictions  of  the  next  yeeres  dearth. 
Hope  of  a  deerer  Sommer  then  laft  was 
Vnfeafoned  harueft  :  O  thefe  hopes  furpafle 
All  others,  Heere  the  Mifer  fets  his  eie, 
And  when  he  does  thefe  ftrange  prenotions  fpie, 
He  kiffes  th'booke,  fweares  the  profeflion's  rare, 
And  wifhes  all  hee  reades  fuch  fubie6ls  were. 
This  Cormorant  engroffeth  all  his  graine, 
Makes  his  barnes  greater  by  a  fecret  traine 
Brings  ore  his  neighbours  fonne  to  fet  his  hand, 
Vnto  a  fale,  and  fo  ioynes  land  to  land. 
This  wicked  vlcer  that  corrupts  the  ftate, 
Nere  thinkes  of  death,  till  that  it  be  too  late. 
His  gold's  his  God,  yet  vfe  it  cannot  he, 
But  in  expreflion  of  his  miferie  ; 

which 


of  Brittaine.  35 

Which  puts  the  poore  Mifer  to  a  double  paine, 

By  telling  it  and  putting't  vp  againe. 

But  now  (my  nimble  Satyre)  for  to  thee 

Tends  this  impolifht  peece  of  poefie  : 

How  wilt  thou  taxe,  or  where  wilt  thou  begin 

With  thy  tart  phrafe,  to  ftinge  and  nettle  him  ? 

Thou  mud  be  bitter  (for  in  greateft  grieues) 

And  feftered  wounds  we  vfe  no  lenitiues 

To  mollefie,  but  corrafiues  to  gall  : 

And  of  all  griefes  this  is  the  great'fl  of  all. 

By  it  we  are  degenerate  and  Hue, 

As  fuch  as  can  receiue,  but  cannot  giue 

To  Nature  competence  :  Come  my  deare  Mate 

I'll  tell  thee  how  to  cure  their  defperate  ftate  ; 

Which  in  few  words  leaft  that  thy  memory  faile, 

He  fpeake  my  minde  vnto  thee  in  a  tale. 

It  chaunc't  vpon  a  time  (and  well  might  be 
For  fuch  like  cJtances  fall  on  miferie,) 
A  pinch-gut  Mifer  fell  extreamely  Jicke, 
So,  as  at  laft  his  Confcience  gan  to  pricke, 
And  tell  him  of's  opprejjion,  wherefoere 
He  turrid  his  eyes,  hefaw  damnation  there. 
Sleepe  could  he  not,  his  Jicknejfe  was  too  great, 
Nor  hope  for  ought,  his  confcience  didfo  threate 
And  terrifie  his  foule :  thus  lay  this  wretch 
Poore  in  his  fpirit,  though  to  the  world  rich  ; 
Faine  would  he  oft  dejire  himfelfe  confejl. 
But  caufe  he  was  falne  out  with  Parijh  prieft 
A  bout  a  Tith-pigge,  he  deferred  the  time, 
And  would  in  no  cafefuffer  this  Diuine 

D  2  To 


36  To  the  Poet-afters 

To  minifter  due  comfort  to  his  Jlate 
All  woe-begone :  fo  great  was  th  Mifers  hate  : 
for  though  he  were  afflicted,  yet  would  he 
Vp-braide  the  Parfon  full  irreuerently, 
Calling  him  hedge  prieji,  belly -god  (nay  more) 
That  like  a  Thief e,  Jie  came  not  in  at  dore, 
But  in  at  windowe  to  his  Benefice ; 
And  that  he  knew  the  practice  and  deuice 
Of  him  and 's  Patron :  who  that  thlaw  might  be 
Difpenfed  with  in  cafe  of  Symonie, 
Sold  him  a  horfe  (that  whatfoere  Jhould  fall,) 
The  price  might  pay  for  th'  Benefice  and  all: 
This  would  he  fay,  concluding  merrily, 
Sir  Prieft  you  come  more  for  my  pigge  then  me. 
Silent  the  Parfon  was,  for  well  he  knew, 
The  Mifer  fpoke  no  more  then  what  was  true ; 
Onely  he  wifht  fuch  neighbours  as  he  had 
Prefent  to  pray  for  him,  for  he  was  mad, 
And  that  by  all  appearance  it  was  like 
That  his  difeafe  had  made  him  lunaticke  : 
Thus  euery  day  his  fickneffe  did  encreafe, 
Bereft  of  comfort,  confcience  fweeteft  peace, 
Without  all  hope  of  health  or  here  or  there, 
(For  th'  worm  of  confcience  follows  euery  where.) 
There 's  no  euafion  left :  where  ere  we  goe 
She  will  attend  vs  in  our  weale  and  woe. 
You  heard  confeft  he  would,  but  as  tis  true, 
A  mifer  loues  not  him  that  craues  his  due  : 
So  to  fuch  men  this  cenfure  ftands  for  iuft, 
They  loue  their  Confcience  reft  leffe  then  their  ruft. 

What 


of  Brittaine.  3  7 

What  fhould  he  doe  ?  the  Parfon  now  is  gone, 

And  he  vnto  himfelfe  is  left  alone 

T'  expoftulate  with  death  :  his  fmnes  did  grieue  him 

But  now  the  moft  when  all  his  friends  do  leaue  him  ; 

Torment  belowe,  iudgement  he  fees  aboue, 

Witneffe  within  him,  that  will  duly  proue 

What  he  has  done  on  earth  (thus  all  in  one 

Make  vp  a  confort  in  his  dying  mone  : 

Yet  as  a  fhip  ore-burdend  with  her  freight 

Sinking  before,  fayls  brauely,  being  made  light ; 

Or  as  the  Ocean  beats  from  fhelfe  to  fhelfe, 

(Sea-ficke  god-wot)  till  fhe  hath  purg'd  her  felfe. 

So  this  fur-charged  foule  rowl's  here  and  there, 

And  yet  to  comfort  is  no  whit  the  neere, 

Till  that  fame  laftage  of  corruption  be 

Exempted  quite  :  then  fleepes  fhe  quietly. 

Confeffe  he  muft,  but  to  no  Prieft,  that's  vaine  : 

But  vnto  one  cleere  of  another  ftraine  ; 

Shall  I  tell  Satire  ?  yes,  thou  needs  muft  know  it, 

And  this  he  was  ;  a  thrid-bare  neighbouring  Poet : 

Who  after  dew  confefTion  made  to  him 

Of  euery  act,  and  each  peculiar  fmne, 

Extortion,  Violence  and  Iniurie, 

Preffing  of  Orphanes,  biting  vfurie, 

Forfeitures-taken,  forged  bills,  at  laft 

He  makes  confeflion  how  a  Poet  paft 

His  pikes  :  who  once  was  of  a  faire  eftate, 

But  after  had  no  profpect  but  a  grate  : 

O,  quoth  the  Poet,  that  was  ill  in  you  ; 

O  (quoth  the  Mifer)  I  doe  know  its  true  : 

D  3  But 


38  To  the  Poet-afters 

But  with  remorce  I  now  lament  his  fall, 

Which  'mongft  the  reft  affli6ls  me  moft  of  all. 

Wherefore  good  Sir,  poure  out  your  prayers  for  me, 

That  in  diftaft  of  my  impiety 

Languifhing  fore,  I  may  be  cheerd  in  ftate, 

Dying  in  hope,  that  now  lies  defperate. 

The  faire  conditio'nd  Poet,  though  he  had  heard 

How  ill  his  owne  profeffion  got  reward, 

By  this  hard-harted  Mifer ;  yet  did  he 

Scorne  his  reuenge  fhould  in  affliction  be 

Streight  he  retires  himfelfe  a  pretty  fpace, 

Chufmg  for's  Orifons  a  priuate  place, 

Which  being  done,  to  cheere  the  drooping  man, 

With  hands  heau'd  vp,  his  praiers  he  thus  began. 

Powerfull  lehouah,  King  of  Heauen  and  Earth, 
That  giu'ft  to  all  things  lining  life  and  birth. 
Thou  that  protects  each  thing  which  thou  hajt  made, 
A  ndfo  preferu's  it,  as  it  cannot  fade. 
Before  the  time  prefirid :  thou  that  wilt  haue 
Mercy  on  fuck  as  thou  dojl  meane  tofaue. 
Looke  on  this  wretch  (that  lies  all  woe  begon) 
If  fo  thou  thinke  hees  worthy  looking  on  : 
Great  is  thy  mercy,  fo  it  needs  muft  be, 
If  thou  wiltfauefuch  Mifcreants  as  he. 
But  what  thou  meanes  to  doe,  he  faine  would  know, 
WhetJur  he  muft  afcend,  or  fall  below  : 
That  heprouijion  may  according  make, 
And  fit  himfelfe  for  th  Voyage  he  muft  take. 
For  if  to  heauen,  he  needs  the  leffe  prepare, 

Becauje 


of  Brittaine.  39 

Becaufe  he  knowes  all  needfull  things  be  there. 
But  much  he  fear  W,  andfofeare  other  fome, 
Mongjl  which  my  felfe,  that  tJiere  he  nere  JJtall  come. 
But  if  to  hell  (the  likelier  place  o'th  two) 
He  does  dejire,  that  thou  wouldjl  this  allow. 
He  may  hauefomuch  refpite  as  prepare, 
The  Bonds  ofallfuch  Prodigalls  be  there: 
That  what  he  could  not  cancell  herefo  well 
On  earth,  may  there  be  cancelled  in  hell. 
The  caufe  is  this  (as  it  to  me  appeares) 
Left  that  thofe  fpend-thrifts  fall  about  his  eares  ; 
When  they  Jhall  fee  him,  which  that  he  may  ftay, 
He'le  cancell  th  Bonds,  thought  be  long  after  day 
Or  this's  the  caufe  as  he  was  impious  here, 
He  meanes  to  proue  an  honeft  Deuill  tJiere. 

"  That  Time  to  Times-fucceffors  may  bring  forth, 
"Hell  made  him  better  then  he  was  on  Earth. 

Much  more  he  praide,  but  I  doe  rather  chufe, 

(Satyre)  to  make  of  all  his  praiers  an  vfe, 

That  when  the  vfe  (hall  well  expreffed  be, 

Thou  maifl  apply  the  Benefit  to  thee. 

Sir  [quoth  the  Poet]  I  my  praiers  haue  made, 

Haue  you,  (replyed  he,)  as  one  difmayed, 

Yes  fir,  and  by  them  fo  my  zeale  enforc't, 

As  I  preuaild,  though  it  was  long  time  firft, 

For  know  an  apparifion  came  to  me 

With  a  fhrill  voice,  which  bad  me  fay  to  thee  : 

If  thou  wilt  firft  a  reftitution  make, 

And  render  vp  what  thou  by  Fraud  didft  take, 

D  4  From 


4O  The  Ciuill  Diuell. 

From  any  man,  but  chiefly  what  thou  tooke 
From  th'Poet :  next,  deliuer  vp  thy  booke 
Of  all  Accounts,  greatest  caufe  of  thy  defpaire, 
To  thy  Confejfour,  and  make  him  thy  heyre. 
Thou  (halt  haue  health  for  this,  it  bad  me  tell, 
But  if  thou  wilt  not,  thou  art  markt  for  hell. 
For  Hell,  no  marry  I  :  take  keyes  and  ft  ate, 
I  will  not  buy  wealth  at  fo  deere  a  rate. 
If  thou  my  pretty  Satyre  couldft  reclayme, 
A  mifer  thus,  I'de  thanke  thee  for  the  fame. 
But  all  too  long  I  haue  enforc't  thee  flay, 
Vice  calleth  thee,  and  Time  drawes  me  away. 

An  Epigramme  called  the 
Ciuill  Deuill. 

IT  chanc't  one  euening  as  I  went  abroad, 
To  cheere  my  cares,  and  take  away  my  loade, 
Of  difagreeing  paflions,  which  were  bred 
By  the  diftemper  of  a  troubled  head, 
Midft  of  my  walke,  fpying  an  Allye  doore, 
(Which  I  protefl  I  neuer  spied  before) 
I  entred  in,  and  being  entred  in, 
I  found  the  entry  was  to  th'house  of  fmne. 
Yet  much  I  wondred,  how  fin  there  could  be, 
Where  th'fmnes  prote<5lreffe  fhow'd  most  modefty. 
A  ciuill  matron,  lifping  with  forfooth, 
As  one  that  had  not  heart  to  fweare  an  oath, 
In  Graue  attire,  French  hood,  all  Frenchefide, 
For  (he  had  fome-thing  more  of  French  befide, 

Her 


The  Ciuell  DiuelL  4 1 

Her  outward  rayment  in  a  loofe-gowne  made, 

Right  after  fafhion,  with  a  countnance  ftaid, 

And  which  is  ftranger  (fhamefaft)  her  laboord 

(Like  a  young  nouice  letcher)  making  each  word 

A  proteftation  ;  she  that  knew'th  deuice, 

T'enfnate  a  greene  wit,  feem'd  wondrous  nife, 

Reprouing  of  my  errour  :  Sir,  I  am 

(For  thus  (he  tooke  me  vp)  wife  to  a  man 

Of  due  refpect,  one  that  has  office  borne, 

Twice  in  the  Citty,  therefore  pray  forbeare, 

You  doe  miflake  your-felfe,  there's  none  fuch  heere 

As  you  make  fute  for.     I  as  one  difmaid, 

That  durft  not  iuftifie  what  I  had  faid, 

Began  to  flinke  away ;  fhe  feeing  this, 

Fearing  leaft  fhe  fhould  fuch  a  Gudgeon  miffe, 

Recants  what  fhe  had  faid,  fwearing  though  fhe 

Were  fuch  a  mans  wife  of  the  Marfhalfie, 

One  that  had  neuer  yet  incurd  ill  name, 

Or  knew  ought  more  then  modefty  or  fhame, 

Though  fhe  nere  was  defam'd  in  all  her  life, 

Or  loued  more  then  as  becom'd  a  wife, 

Though  her  affection  neuer  yet  was  fhowne 

(Saue  to  her  husband)  vnto  any  one, 

Though  fhe  was  graue  in  yeers,  and  therefore  might 

Tread  rightly  now,  that  had  fo  long  trod  right, 

She  would  pawne  name,  fame,  modeftie,  and  all 

Affection,  husband,  yea  what  ere  befall 

Her  grauer  yeeres  fhould  once  difpence  with  time, 

"  She  would,  forfooth,  remaine  entirely  mine, 

This  alteration  made  me  ftrangely  doubt, 

Doubt 


42  The  Ciuill  Deuill. 

And  though  my  feet  were  in,  my  mind  was  out 
Yet  fo  was  I  enthralld  by  tempting  fmne, 
Though  Vertue  forc't  me  out,  Vice  kept  me  in. 
Thus  did  my  tempting  Genius,  fweare,  proteft, 
That  of  all  creatures  fhe  did  loue  me  beft, 
And  with  diffembling  teares  difguife  her  ill, 
Fond  is  that  man,  and  fonder  is  his  will, 
That's  thus  deprau'd  :  how  feruile  are  men  growne, 
When  thefe  fame  Vertues  we  efteeme  our  owne 
Are  thus  Eclipf'd  by  Hyene  faced  whores, 
That  proteftation  make  they  will  be  ours, 
When  they  proue  nothing  leffe,  las  I  do  know 
And  by  experience,  whatfoere  they  fhow. 
Their  painted  Vizards  couer  naked  fmne, 
Which  feeming  faire,  are  euer  foule  within. 
A  whiten  wall,  a  rotten  odious  tombe, 
That  proftitutes  her  felfe  to  all  that  come. 
To  all  that  come,  hence  then's  affection  croft, 
For  loue  is  pure,  but  luft  for  them  bid  moft. 
But  to  my  Saint-like  Deuill :  fhe  thus  precife 
At  firft  held  credit  deere,  but  now  her  eyes 
Like  wandring  ftars  preft  to  induce  fome  fin 
Makes  me  (the  filly  fifh)  catcht  by  her  gin. 
Reafon  did  tell  me,  and  fuggeft  her  name, 
Whifpring  me  in  the  eare,  it  was  a  ftiame 
To  gage  my  reputation  to  a  whore  : 
But  las  who  knows  it  not,  fenfe  hath  more  power 
Then  reafon  in  thefe  a6ls  :  I  gaue  confent 
To  her  inducements,  thought  her  Innocent, 
And  a  right  modeft  matron  :  yet  how  farre, 

Did 


The  Ciuill  Deiiill.  43 

Did  fenfe  from  reafon  in  her  Verdict  erre  ? 

For  how  could  fhe  be  modeft  that  fo  foone, 

Was  gain'd  ere  crau'd,  fo  quickly  wood  and  wonne  ? 

Laffe  that  my  fimple  ftraine  fhould  be  fo  weake, 

As  to  continue  for  a  wantons  fake, 

So  firme  in  my  affection  ?  fhe  was  graue, 

Its  true,  fhe  was  fo :  but  how  many  haue 

That  forme  of  grauity,  the  more  their  fmne, 

Being  fo  graue  without,  fo  gay  within, 

But  fhe  protefted  ;  true,  she  fwore  an  oath, 

As  any  other  tempting  wanton  doth, 

When  fhee's  in  hope  of  gaine,  vnhappy  I, 

To  leane  fo  much  to  harlots  forgery. 

Well  my  braue  Curtizan,  fmce  I  am  won, 

To  doe  that  acT:  by  which  I  am  vndone. 

Since  I  am  fnared,  and  like  a  Bird  thats  caught, 

Fledged  in  bird-lime,  am  of  wit  diflraught, 

And  fenfes  too  :  I  will  runne  headlong  to  it, 

And  doe  it  with  force,  fmce  I  perforce  mufl  doe  it. 

Downe  goes  the  filken  Carpet  all  the  while, 

Showing  thofe  fheets,  which  louers  doe  beguile, 

Thofe  fheets  of  luft  perfum'd  delicioufly, 

With  rofie  odours,  where  variety 

Of  obiedls  made  recourfe  :  fee  wantons  fee, 

How  many  motiues  now  enuiron  me  ? 

Heere  my  lafciuious  Matron  wooes  with  teares, 

There  a  repofe  for  lufts  retrait  appeares. 

Heere  a  protefling  whore  (fee  whoredomes  fhelfe) 

Rather  then  loofe  me,  fhe  will  damme  her  felfe. 

There  Adons  picture,  clipping  Venus  round, 

Heere 


44  The  Ciuill  Deuill. 

Here  loue  Europa  lying  on  the  ground. 

Heere  Mars  difarm'd  in  Beauties  chariot  drawen, 

Where  faire  Eryca  couer'd  ore  with  lawne, 

Bids  him  her  beft  of  welcome,  and  is  ledde, 

For  want  of  roomes  vnto  her  Husbands  bedde. 

Heere  Dande  ftood  (admiring  diuine  power) 

Which  did  defcend  like  to  a  goulden  fhoure, 

Into  her  Virgin-lap,  there  ftraight  I  fpide 

The  tempting  Omphale,  and  on  one  fide, 

Her  wanton  fifter,  on  the  other,  faire 

Alcinous  daughter,  courted  for  her  haire 

By  great  Apollo :  but  below  her  foote, 

Sat  Hercles  fpinning,  fhe  enioynd  him  too't. 

Here  I  beheld  the  nimble  Satyres  dance 

The  Druids  fung,  the  water-Sea-nimphs  praunce, 

Ore  the  delicious  Mede  :  there  was  the  Queene 

Of  Amorous  meetings  pictur'd  as  fh'ad  beene 

Taking  a  greene-gowne  (many  fuch  there  are) 

Of  Mars  that  Martiall  Enginer  of  warre. 

Heere  Vulcane  lay,  poore  Cuckold  as  he  was, 

And  faw  them  mating  on  the  greeny  graffe, 

Yet  durft  fay  nought,  how  many  fuch  there  be, 

That  fee  enough,  but  dare  not  fay  they  fee  ? 

Sweet  heart  (quoth  fhe)  and  frnild,  feeing  me  eye 

This  picture  more  then  any  one  was  nie, 

Leaue  me  the  fhadow,  to  the  fubftance  goe, 

What  thou  now  feeft,  let  louers  action  know, 

He  be  thy  Venus,  pretty  Ducke  I  will, 

And  though  leffe  faire,  yet  I  haue  farre  more  skill, 

In  Loues  affaires  :  for  if  I  Adon  had, 

As 


The  Ciuill  Deiull.  45 

As  Venus  had  :  I  could  haue  taught  the  lad. 
To  haue  beene  farre  more  forward  then  he  was, 
And  not  haue  dallied  with  fo  apt  a  laffe.  (be 

Come,  come  (my  youngling)  though  I  nere  could 
Immodeft  yet,  He  mow  my  felfe  to  thee, 
A  laffe  of  mettal :  Come,  in  faith  thou  fhalt, 
Thou'rt  Mars,  I  Venus,  he  that  limping  halt, 
My  PW<:##-hufband,  pox  on't  he  is  gone, 
And  I  my  felfe  as  defolate  alone, 
Will  entertaine  thee  :  I  in  manlike  fhape, 
Being  a  man,  a  man  fhould  imitate. 
Protefted  I  would  doe,  yet  had  no  power, 
For  who  can  deale  fo  ably  with  a  whore, 
Or  with  fo  free-bred  actions,  fince  I  know, 
None  can  affection  with  election  show, 
Sincerely  or  entirely,  but  whofe  ftrife, 
S'transform'd  from  wanton  action  to  a  wife 
Of  modeft  action  :  this  is  me  can  doe, 
And  euery  night  has  new  conceits  to  wooe, 
Though  (he  be  won,  las  what  is  wooing  then, 
Since  wooing,  winning,  be  fmall  change  in  men  ? 
Who  knowes  not  whores  affection  purchaf'd  foon, 
And  that  they  are  not  fooner  woo'd  then  wonne  ? 
Or  as  the  world  goes,  for  its  more  common, 
Women  woe  men  more  oft  then  men  woe  women. 
Hence  nature  feemes  to  haue  transform'd  vs  quite, 
Conuerting  day  vnto  a  drerie  night, 
Vertue  to  vice,  a  good-names  eminence, 
Expof'd  to  fhame,  and  publique  impudence. 

Once 


46  The  Ciuill  Diuell.    ' 

Once  women  knew  a  blufhing  fhame-faftneffe, 

But  now  a  blufh  is  leaft  that  they  expreffe ; 

Vnleffe  for  fhame  of  hairing  done  fome  ill 

They  feare  is  known,  which  they  would  fhadow  ftil, 

Shine  brighteft  heauen  (if  thou  wilt  deigne  to  fhine, 

And  with  thy  beames  difpell  this  hideous  crime, 

Which  now  (protection  has)  :  curbe  them,  that  call 

Such  finnes  as  veniall,  Venereall. 

Let  not  an  He  of  an  Angelicke  name 

Expofe  her  glory  to  the  houfe  of  fhame : 

Let  not  thofe  many  Tropheies  of  her  worth 

Loofe  their  renowne  or  honour  in  our  birth. 

Let  not  faire  Albion,  flil'd  from  cliffes  fo  white, 

Change  Vertues  day  ftar  to  a  vicious  night 

Let  not  thofe  many  conquefts  fhe  hath  got 

Seeme  now  depreft,  as  if  remembred  not. 

Let  not  our  peace  (like  Haitian  daies)  be  tane 

From  vs  and  ours  and  giuen  to  other  men : 

Let  not  this  facred  Vine  which  planted  is 

In  Albion,  fhaken  be  by  wantonneffe. 

Let  not  our  plenty  and  aboundant  ftore 

Occafion  be  that  we  fhould  finne  the  more : 

Let  not  our  Realme  vnite,  diuide  that  loue 

Which  we  fhould  beare  vnto  the  King  aboue  : 

Let  not  our  want  of  wars  inuafion  bring  vs 

A  luft-full  war  encountring  within  vs. 

Let  not  thofe  manie  bleffings  we  receiue, 

Make  vs  interre  our  honour  in  our  graue. 

Let  not  our  feafons  yeerly  fruitfulneffe 

Produce  in  vs  a  loathed  barrannefle. 

Let 


The  Ciuill  Diuell.  47 

Let  not  thofe  many  ftrange  confpiracies 

Which  heauen  preuented,  clofe  our  thankleffe  eyes, 

Let  not  our  being  make  vs  not  to  be, 

For  God  is  God  and  will  auenged  be. 

He  feemes  fome  time  to  fleepe  and  fuffer  all, 

But  calls  at  laft  for  vfe  and  principall. 

Many,  I  know,  there  be  of  crimes  that's  ill, 

Drawne  from  the  fource  of  our  depraued  will, 

But  of  all  crimes  that  euer  were  or  be, 

"None  in  this  He  claimes  more  impunity. 

A  purple  fin  (for  who  will  not  allow  it) 

Since  purple-fathers  oft-times  go  vnto  it  ? 

The  Citties  Elders  (which  though  they  reproue) 

They  doe  but  chaftice  what  themfelues  do  loue. 

Statifts  haue  lou'd  it  too  :  but  marke  (my  friend) 

For  all  their  ftate  they  had  a  loathfome  end, 

Like  ftinking  Herod,  loth'd  Hertogenes, 

Crook't  Damocles,  lowfie  Pherecides ; 

All  thefe  experience  had  of  this  f ovule  euill, 

And  could  defcribe  too-well  a  ciuell  Diuell. 


The 


48 


The  Authors  Morall  to  his 
Ciuell  Diuell. 

COme  Nouice,  come,  fee  here  the  fall  of  youth, 
Begun  in  pleafure,  but  wouen  vp  in  rueth  : 
See  what  occurrents  meete  the  heires  of  fhame, 
Where  end  is  pouerty,  and  cloz'd  ill-name  ? 
See  what  the  fruits  be  of  licentious  fin 
That  end  in  woe  as  they  in  heate  begin  ? 
See  painted  .SW07«-apples  faire  to  th'eye, 
But  being  tutcht  they  perifh  inftantly. 
See,  fee  a  wanton  Mere-mayd,  that  does  fmg, 
To  bring  youths  crazie  backe  to  ruining. 
See  Vertue  in  pretence,  but  vice  in  deed, 
See  Harlots  action  in  a  Matrons  weede : 
See  damned  Factors  who  their  trafficke  make, 
Not  for  their  foule  but  for  the  diuels  fake. 
See  my  coach't  Lady  hurried  long  the  ftreet, 
Cafting  her  lufts-eyes  on  who  s'ere  (he  meet : 
See,  fee  her  cerus  cheeke,  made  to  delight 
Her  apple-fquire,  or  wanton  Marmofite. 
See,  fee  her  braided  haire,  her  paps  laide  out, 
Which  witnefle  how  (he  'le  do  when  fhe's  put  to  't 
O  fee  (he  likes  vpon  th'condition  well, 
So  Jhe  may  coached  bejhe'legoe  to  hell, 
And  willingly :  fee,  fee  adulterate  golde, 
In  valew  word,  yet  is  the  deereft  folde. 
See  Albions  curfe,  Youths  gulph,  Heires  mifery, 
Our  Countries  (hame,  foules  ftaine,  earths  vanity. 

"O 


The  Ciuill  Dentil.  49 

O  Sunne  reflect  thy  gould  on  my  pale  Moone, 
And  let  this  Dathans  braunch  be  rooted  foone, 
Out  of  this  flourie  ifle  :  O  let  not  this 
(So  hideous  a  crime)  eclipfe  the  bliffe 
Which  Britaine  now  poffeffeth,  may  my  penne, 
Be  fteeped  now  in  wormewood,  that  fuch  men 
As  haue  beene  'erft  delighted,  now  may  be, 
Wain'd  from  that  land-opprefling  miferie. 
And  you  (damn'd  proftitutes)  that  pawn  your  name, 
Making  a  triuiall  may-game  of  your  fhame  ; 
Bed-broaking  lechers,  Breakers  of  ill  ware, 
For  many  fuch  bafe  factors  now  there  are) 
Heare  me  fpit  out  my  malice  :  May  you  Hue, 
Till  you  haue  nought  to  take,  nor  none  to  giue, 
For  your  ore-iaded  pleafure  :  may  you  Hand 
Banifht  for  euer  in  this  Fruitfull  land,  (power) 

Which  fares  the  worfe  (and  that  by  Heauens  high 
For  giuing  harbour  to  an  odious  whoore. 
May  you  detefted  liue,  inteftate  die, 
And  as  I  doubt  not  make  your  Tragedy 
By  death  more  wofull :  may  your  vlcerous  skin, 
As  it  beares  here  the  marks  of  your  fowle  fin  : 
Like  to  the  lewes  as  they  did  earft  appeare, 
Who  in  their  fore  parts  circumcifed  were) 
Be  circumcis'd :  that  after  times  may  Jhew, 
There  was  f mall  difference  twixt  the  whore  and  I  ewe. 
And  you  poore  haire  brain'd  youths  that  doe  begin 
To  neftle  in  thefe  lothfome  fmkes  of  fin  ; 
You  that  fpend  fubftance,  heritance  and  all, 
Becomming  fubiect  to  a  doubtful  fall : 

E  You 


5O  The  Ciuill  Diuell. 

You  that  are  fent  to  praftife  ftudious  arts, 

But  leauing  them,  betake  to  worfer  parts 

Your  vnfledg'd  fancies  :  heare  me,  and  you'le  fay, 

It  feemes  he  wifht  vs  well  another  day. 

Flie  the  ftrange  woman,  let  her  wanton  looke, 

Be  vnto  you  as  fome  experientft  booke  ; 

Prefcribing  cures  for  ftrange  difeafes  be 

As  if  you  did  not  note,  or  did  not  fee 

Her  fin-alluring  motiues  :  if  fhe  fmile 

Confter  it  thus  :  this  wanton  would  beguile 

With  her  affe6led  feeming,  if  fhe  play 

With  her  light  capring  foote,  or  bid  you  flay 

(So  brazen  fac't  is  fin)  away  from  thence, 

Taxe,  but  affecl:  not,  her  loth'd  impudence. 

If  fhe  fhew  modeftie  (as  well  fhe  may) 

For  whoores  haue  change  of  faces  euery  daie 

Vicing  new  fafhions  :  you  may  confter  thus, 

It  is  a  painted  but  no  natiue  blufh. 

If  fhe  proteft  (beleeue  not  what  fhe  fayth) 

For  there's  no  whore  but  can  difpenfe  with  fayth  : 

If  fhe  inuite  you  to  fome  dainty  feaft 

Be  not  entreated,  leaft  like  Circes  beaft, 

You  be  transform'd  from  that  fame  forme  diuine 

Vnto  the  beftiall  nature  of  a  fwine, 

If  fhe  allure  thee  to  fome  wanton  fport 

In  that  fhe  moues  you  to  it,  care  not  for't 

Let  S'.  foote  be  (fuch  follies  luft  affoord) 

"  For  faireft  play  is  euer  aboue  boord. 

Redart  not  eyes  with  her :  if  fhe  looke  red 

Say  its  her  guilt,  if  pale  diftempored 

With 


The  cinell  Diuell.  5 1 

With  fome  lafciuipus  paflion  :  if  conceipt 

Be  pregnant  in  her,  fweare  its  but  deceipt 

To  draw  thee  on  :  if  fullen,  it  may  be  thought 

Her  weight  of  fin  has  that  diffraction  wrought. 

If  fhe  difcourfe,  its  but  fome  whorifh  tale 

That  fhe  perchance  has  purchas't  by  retaile  ; 

If  filent,  't  may  be  thought  (he's  plotting  ill, 

And  that's  the  caufe  her  oily  tongue  is  ftill : 

If  feeming  modeft,  vertuous  or  precife, 

Its  her  diffembling,  making  her  lufts  eyes 

Like  Bafilisks  (who  naturally  haue 

Defire  to  kill,  where  they  do  feeme  to  faue.) 

If  hope  of  meanes  :  fie,  let  no  Generous  minde, 

Stoope  to  fo  bafe  a  lure,  as  be  inclin'de, 

To  buy  a  ftipend  at  fo  deare  a  rate, 

"  As  gage  a  foule,  to  get  a  little  ftate. 

If  difcontent :  this  is  no  remedie 

Vnto  thy  griefe,  but  ads  to  miferie  : 

For  who  (through  difcontent)  goes  to  a  Whoore, 

Muft  needs  be  more  defected  then  before. 

If  an  enforced  marriage  (as  who  can) 

Tafte  flill  the  fweete  of  comforts,  being  man  : 

This  is  no  way  to  eafe  thy  troubled  head, 

To  make  thy  felfe  adulterize  thy  Bed. 

If  to  fpend  time :  how  ill  is  that  fpent  time, 

Which  adds  vnto  that  great  accompt  of  thine 

Thoufands  of  accufations  ?  where  thy  looke 

Shall  beare  record  (if  wanton)  in  that  booke, 

Where  all  our  actions  duely  written  be 

From  youth  to  man,  to  Age  from  infancy : 

E  2  If 


52  The  Ciuill  Diuell. 

If  for  acquaintance  (as  oftimes  we  heare) 
The  greateft  men  are  moft  acquainted  there ; 
Thou  feeks  amiffe,  for  what's  acquaintance  worth, 
By  birth  borne  great,  to  baftardife  their  birth. 
If  to  obferue  new  fafhions,  tricks  not  knowne 
Before  of  thee :  'lafle  thofe  muft  needs  be  growne 
Quite  out  of  fafhion,  when  there's  none  that  vfe  the 
Saue  Pandors,  Bawds,  &  whoors  that  ftil  abufe  them. 
If  to  be  deem'd  a  Turne-ball  roring  lad, 
Of  all  the  ftraines  that  be  there's  none  fo  bad  : 
"  Thefe  glorie  in  deformed  fhapes,  and  third 
After  that  guize  which  doth  befeeme  them  worft : 
But  wouldft  thou  know  them  ?  then  attend  to  me, 
(And  I  in  few  words  will  defcribe  them  thee. 
Their  peak't-mouchatoes  bodkinwife  oppofe 
Each  other,  and  ftand  brauing  of  their  nofe  : 
They're  bluftering  boyes,  and  whatfoe're  befall, 
If  they  be  three  to  one  they'le  haue  the  wall. 
They  haue  a  mint  of  oaths,  yet  when  they  fweare, 
Of  death  and  murder,  there 's  fmall  danger  there  : 
Bufife-yerkins  fay  their  fouldiers,  (but's  not  fo,) 
For  they  were  preft  indeed  but  durft  not  goe. 
They  weare  a  Cutler's-fhop  euer  about  them  : 
Yet  for  all  that  we  need  not  greatly  doubt  them. 
For  tak't  from  me  by  this  you  foon'ft  may  know  the, 
They  weare  the  defperat'ft  blades,  yet  dare  not  draw 
They're  Panders  by  profeflion,  men  that  get     (them. 
A  flauifh  meanes  out  of  a  feruile  wit : 
They're  euer  foaking  of  a  pipe,  whofe  fmoake 
Makes  them  contort  &  wreath  their  wainskot  look 

To 


The  Ciuill  Diuell.  53 

To  euery  fafhion,  they  are  monftrous  proud, 

And  what-foere  they  fpeake  they  fweare  its  good  : 

They  neuer  goe  to  Church,  vnlefle  it  be 

To  man  their  whore,  or  for  formalitie. 

They  are  and  are  not :  feeming  men  by  fight, 

But  beafts,  becomming  flaues  to  appetite  : 

Their  walke  is  not  where  Vertue  hath  recourfe, 

(For  to  difcourfe  of  Vertue  is  a  curfe) 

To  Roring-boyes  :  their  Rende-voue's  Tibb  Calles 

Her  fhrowd  their  fhrine,  their  walk's  in  Garden-allies 

Doft  fee  thefe  (youngling)  ?  pray  thee  fee  and  mark, 

A  whore  enticing,  and  a  god-leffe  fharke 

Attending  her,  haue  a  good  eye  to  him, 

Pray  thee  beware  he's  inftrument  of  fmne  : 

Goe  not  along,  let  my  aduife  enforce, 

Leaft  thou  returne  (my  boy)  by  weeping  crofle. 

Let  not,  6  let  not  moment  of  delight, 

Depriue  thy  foule  of  her  internall  light, 

Shame  not  thy  eye  of  reafon  with  expence 

Of  ill  fpent  time,  expos'd  to  th'vfe  of  fence. 

Thy  form's  Diuine,  no  fading,  vading  flower  : 

O  let  not  then  th'embraces  of  a  whore 

Captiue  thy  iudgement,  but  as  thou  doft  take 

Thy  Great  Creators  forme,  fo  for  his  fake, 

Referue  thy  Temple  (if  thou'le  Hue  with  him, 

To  be  for  Syon,  not  for  place  of  Sinne. 

E  3  The 


54 


The  occafion  of  this  Epigram  proceeded 
from  the  rejlraint  of  the  Author,  who  in  the 
iujlnes  of  his  caufe  (like  Zenophons  Sparrow) 
fled  for  refuge  :  to  the  worthily  ejleemed,  the 

Right  Worfhipfull   RICH.    HVTTON, 

Sergeant  at  Lawe  :  to  whofe  protection  the 

retired  Author  commends  his  Epi- 

gramme  entitled. 


friend,   ) 
itti  end.  j 


HIS   CATCH. 

(  Singing  my  catch,  if  you  be  not  my  friend, 
|  For  all  my  catch,  I  Jhall  be  catcht  itti 

NOt  in  a  durance  fuite  remaine  I  here, 
Yet  in  a  fuite  like  durance  hemm'd  with  feare 
Retir'd  I  am  :  confinement  makes  me  thrall 
Vnto  my  felfe,  which  grieues  me  moft  of  all  : 
If  I  but  fee  the  fhadow  of  a  man. 
Or  th'  tinkling  of  a  Braziers  copper  pan, 
I  feare  a  Sergeant,  fhadow  faies  its  he, 
And  th'Brazier  faies,  fuch  like  his  buttons  be, 

Where 


His  Catch.  55 

Where  (hall  I  flie  to  ?  'laffe  I  know  not  where  : 

For  Milford-\a.n.G.  is  growne  too  monftrous  deere. 

No,  there  I  muft  not  goe  ;  for  know  you  how 

That  place  is  ftil'd  ?    The  Gallants  Randa-uou. 

Well,  fome-where  I  muft  flie  :  O  now  I  fee't : 

Philofophers  fay ;  heate  is  expel'd  by  heate. 

Moifture  by  moifture  ;  Colds  extremity 

By  cold,  deriu'd  from  pafllons  natiuely 

Concurring  in  vs :  if  this  then  be  trew, 

Who  fhould  I  flie  to  (Sir  ?)  but  vnto  you 

That  are  a  Sergeant,  and  has  power  to  place 

Your  God-fonne  free  from  any  Sergiants  Mace  ? 

To  you  ile  flie  purfu'de  by  impudence, 

(A  Courtiers  garbe)  crauing  fafe  refidence 

Vnder  your  wings  :  and  know  (kinde  Sir)  from  me, 

To  doe  for  Orphanes  its  a  charity. 

Little  I  am  poffeft  of  well  you  know, 

And  of  that  little,  little  doe  I  owe 

To  any  man  :  yet  for  all  this  am  I, 

Made  a  fit  obie<5l  for  a  Sergeants  eie. 

I  could  not  beg  if  that  my  caufe  were  bad, 

But  to  disburfe  for  that  I  neuer  had. 

Nor  anie  for  me,  'laffe  it  feemes  to  me, 

The  caufe  might  pleade  it  felfe  without  a  fee. 

Pray  Sir  (at  leaft)  if  th  Courtier  needes  will  craue  it, 

Let  him  purfue  fuch,  where  'has  hope  to  haue  it : 

For  me  theres  none  :  but  this  his  wit  God  wot 

To  fue  his  bond,  wheres  nothing  to  be  got, 

Yet  for  the  reputation  which  I  beare 

To  my  vnblemifht  credit,  I  muft  feare 

Not 


56  His  Catch. 

Not  our  iuft  caufe,  nor  any  fuch  pretence, 

But  brazen-face,  and  guilded  confcience. 

"  For  dangers  felt  are  worfe  then  others  feard, 

"  Which  makes  me  now  conceald  which  once  appeared. 

'Laffe  Sir,  my  ftudies  cannot  brooke  reftraint, 

"  Since  times  obferuance  giues  me  argument. 

Of  writing  what  I  write  :  fo  fmal's  the  flore 

Of  La'er  I  haue,  that  if  I  knew  not  more 

By  obferuation,  then  by  reading,  men 

Might  iuftly  fay,  I  knew  not  what  I  pen. 

But  luftice  whofe  pure  eie  lookes  euer  right, 

And  can  admit  of  none  that  cloudes  her  fight, 

Will  fhield  my  caufe  :  its  trues  I  know  (he  will, 

Yet  in  meane  time  I  am  be-leagred  ftill, 

With  thefe  injurious  burres,  thefe  tenterhookes, 

That  euen  af  right  me  with  their  gajlly  looks. 

Thefe  engines  of  defpaire,  agents  of  euill, 

Factors  for  Mammon,  Viceroyes  for  the  diuell 

Thefe  that  lay  hold  like  bird  lime :  thefe  be  they, 

That  muft  be  foundly  brib'd,  or  we  muft  pay  ; 

I  haue  no  hope  then  but  your  vertuous  felfe 

To  faue  my  crafie  veffel  from  this  fhelfe, 

Or  (hip-wrack  rather,  and  fo  fure  am  I 

Of  your  befthelpe,  that  I  fee  fafety 

Appearing  midft  of  daunger :  for  my  truft 

So  well  repof 'd  in  one  that  is  fo  iuft, 

Cannot  be  fruftrate,  but  muft  needes  receiue 

What  you  may  graunt,  and  I  may  iuftly  haue. 

And  well  I  know  that  a6lions  of  this  kinde, 

Keepe  bed  concordance  with  your  generous  minde, 

Whofe 


His  Catch.  57 

Whofe  natiue  vertues  haue  been  ftill  expreft, 
In  giuing  breath  to  caufes  that  are  beft. 
A  great  prerogatiue,  as't  feemes  to  me, 
Haue  you  ore  fuck  as  onely  take  their  fee, 
Witthout  obferuance  or  difcuflion  had, 
Of  what  the  caufe  is  :  whether  good  or  bad. 
Thefe  like  to  fpiders,  weaue  ore  iuftice  throne 
A  web,  to  make  their  actions  lie  vnknowne, 
But  all  in  vaine  :  their  vices  time  defcries  : 
For  time  has  many  eares  and  many  eies. 
Ripe  was  his  wit,  and  well  he  vnderftood, 
Who  rouf 't '  Wejlminfter  Hal  with  I  rim  wood. 
That  Iuftice  there  profeft',  mould  like  appeare, 
Suffring  no  venemous  creature  to  come  neere 
Her  sacred  throne  :  no  kSpider,  worme,  nor  moth, 
But  that  like  vertue  mould  accrew  to  both. 
Which  makes  me  mufe :  fith  Irifh  wood  can  mow, 
Such  pure  effects,  why  Ireland  does  not  fee, 
O  no  it  were  too  much  to  be  the  fame, 
In  title,  temper  nature,  and  in  name. 
But  whither  wanders  my  confined  Mufe  ? 
Lament  thine  owne,  care  not  for  times  abufe, 
It  yields  thee  matter  ro  expreffe  thy  fpleene, 
Which  otherwife  would  be  extinguifh't  cleane. 

1  Rufusfmi/hing  the  Jlately  building  of  Weftminfter  hall, 
found  fault  for  being  built  too  little,  faying  it  was  fitter  for 
a  chamber,  then  a  Hall  for  a  King  of  England  ;  taking  a  plot 
for  one  more  fpacious  to  be  added  vnto  it. 

k  This  peculiar  vertue  the  fuperftitious  Iri/h  haue  afcriled 
to  the  power  of  Saint  Patrick. 


58  His  Catch. 

Thou  mai'ft  retire,  ther's  one  will  fee  thee  pla'ft 
In  fafe  repofe,  till  all  thefe  ftormes  be  paft  : 
Which  paft,  may  I  my  conning  quite  forget, 
If  better  numbers  doe  not  defcant  it. 


From  me  and  mine 
to  you  and  yours, 
From  time  to  time 
our  praters  like  Jhowers 

Diffufed  be 

inceffantlie. 


Your  worths  obferuer 


R.  B. 


59 


TO    MY    APPROVED    FRIEND 

T.  P.  in  the  condud;  of  my  arreft- 

f earing  Epigram  his  beft 

of  Wifhes. 

IF  any  Sergeant  fliould  my  lines  foreftale, 
Before  they  fee  my  Patron  enter  bayle. 

Ibid. Where  fay, 

How  Night  by  Night  in  feuerall  roomes  I  lye, 
And  that  my  lines  haue  farre  more  Aer  then  I. 


An 


6o 


An  Epigramme  called  the 
Honeft  Lawyer. 

SPrightly  my  mufe,  fpeake  like  the  fon  of  thunder 
And  with  a  full  mouth,  ring  out  Albions  wonder  : 
No  Sujfex  Dragon,  no  Virginian, 
But  of  a  Lawer  that's  an  Honeft  man. 
Whofe  definition  if  you  wifh  to  know, 
Is  a  blacke  Swan,  faire  Moore,  or  milke-white  Crow. 
He  takes  no  fees,  till  he  conceiue  the  caufe, 
Nor  with  an  Oyly  bribe  annoints  his  iawes. 
He  wants  the  vfe  of  feeling,  feares  Heauens  curfe, 
Strings  not  his  confcience  with  his  Clients  purfe. 
Hee'l  not  be  tongue-tide,  but  for  luftice  fake, 
He  feekes  to  earne  the  mony  he  does  take. 
He  hates  aequiuocation  and  delay, 
Nor  will  he  make  his  Threed-bare  Client  flay 
For  his  difpatch  :  he  will  not  haue  his  fee, 
Till  he  difcuffe  the  caufes  equity. 
His  Judgement  will  not  vaile  to  wind  nor  wether, 
Nor  is  his  confcience  made  of  retching  lether. 
His  eye's  on  luftice,  nor  will  euer  he 
Banke-rupt  his  foule,  t'  enrich  pofterity. 

His 


The  honeft  Lawyer.  6 1 

His  tongue's  no  time-obferuer,  made  to  pleafe, 
His  fift  is  fhut  from  taking  double  fees. 
He  will  not  forge  a  lye,  nor  wreft  the  fence, 
Of  law  or  right,  for  any  faire  pretence. 
He  will  not  backe  his  Clyent,  or  maintaine 
An  vniuft  fuit,  to  reape  a  priuate  gaine. 
He  fpeakes  and  ftands  too't,  nor  is  forry  for't, 
Though  he  by  fpeaking  truth,  incenfe  the  Court. 
He  hates  corruption,  nor  has  euer  fould, 
His  peace  of  Confcience,  for  a  peece  of  gold. 
He  loues  no  perfumes,  nor  is  one  of  thofe, 
Whofe  peak't  mouchatoes  fkirmifh  with  their  nofe. 
His  beard's  not  flarcht,  he  has  no  fubtile  fconce, 
Nor  Ianus-\\\&  lookes  he  ten  waies  at  once. 
His  Eare  is  neuerfhut  to  poore  mens  mones, 
His  Coach-wheele  is  not  made  of  Clients  bones, 
His  Confcience  nere  did  ought  that  needs  relenting 
Or  '  ere  made  Clients  pay  for  his  wiues  painting. 
His  foule  was  neuer  foild  by  corrupt  dealing, 
Nor  ftands  he  on  a  veluet  gowne  at  fealing. 
His  face  was  nere  at  Braziers,  nor  his  skin 
Sy-fambris-\\\iQ  was  hung  vp  to  be  feene.  (can. 

His  tongue  fpeakes  truth,  makes  peace  where  ere  he 
This  Lawer  muft  be  needs  an  hone/I  man. 
It's  true,  he  muft :  but  where  now  fhall  we  finde 
This  man :  I  feare  theres  none  left  of  his  kind. 

e  For  my  pretty  tooth-picker,  the  Criticke  Lawyer,  who  ftands 
on  the  puntylio  of  his  honour,  I  am  by  Martialls  meanes  proui- 
ded  of  armour.  505.  Epig. 

Carper  e  caufidicus  fertur  mea  carmina:  quijit 

Nefcio  :  f.  fciero,  we  tili,  caufidice. 

Yes 


62  A  Satyr e. 

Yes  one  I  know,  and  more  there  be  no  doubt 
But  that  my  dull  pate  cannot  find  them  out, 
Who's  truely  honeft  :  Whom  you  may  difcerne, 
You  Clients  you,  that  vifit  this  throng  Terme, 
By  no  example  in  our  Albion  more, 
Then  by  my  Patron  in  my  Catch  before. 
Aske you  me  why?  Experience  tells  it  me, 
"  None  0f  s  ProfeJJion  honejler  then  he. 

Vpon  a  Patron,  who  was  at  home,  and 

yet  abroad',   in  the  City,  and  yet  in  the 

Countrey  :   feene,  and  not  to  bee 

feene  :  in  any  place,  but  where 

lie  was,  and  as  foone  to  be  found 

where  he  was  not,  as 

where  lie  was. 

A  good  Patrons  Anagram :  is 
Patren.    Anag.     Parent. 

An  euill  ones 
Patrone.     Anag.     Rope  arit. 

A  Satyre. 

r  1  ^Here  is  a  Patron,  to  exprefle  his  name, 

J_    I  thinke  it  needleffe,  for  you  may  conie<5lure, 
Who  tis  by  dumbe  fhowes  :  yet  He  reade  a  Lecture, 
Vpon's  Anatomy  :  "  He  thinks  no  fhame 
To  be  at  home,  yet  to  deny  the  fame, 
By  one  of 's  Pander  porters  :  he  is  proud 

Of 


A  Satyre.  63 

Of  a  new  Title  giuen  him,  yet  it's  ftale, 
Knight-hood  I  wifh  :  for's  fpeech  he  fpeaks  a  tale, 
With  a  Beere-brewers  Grace,  as  for  his  bloud, 
He  faies  he  can  deriu't  from  Robin  hood, 
And  his  May-Marian,  and  I  thinke  he  may, 
For's  Mother  plaid  May-Marian  tother  day. 

If  a  rich  country-Boore  come  to  prefent  him, 
With  Pigge  or  Goofe,  he  fhall  no  fooner  come, 
But  the  gate's  open,  and  the  Knight's  at  home, 
Where  the  Dog-fawning  Knight  will  queftion  him, 
Why  he  from's  houfe  has  fo  long  abfent  beene  ? 
Yet  tother  day,  a  Poet  whom  he  lou'd, 
At  leaft  protefted  fo  :  knocking  at's  gate, 
Was  full  two  houres  enforced  there  to  waite, 
And  ftill  he  ftaid  to  find  his  loue  approu'd,    (mou'd, 
Till  th'Brazen  head  fpake,  through  a  cafement 
(The  Knight  I  meane)  but  feeing  who  it  was, 
I'me  not  at  home  (quoth  he)  good  Poet  paffe. 


An 


64 

An  Epigram  in  Curium  Lampetram : 
A  Cafhierd  Courtier. 

CVrius  Lampetra,  (as  he  doth  confefle) 
For  he  was  t'ane  i'th  nicke,  o'th  bufmefle, 
Ha's  done,  foone  done,  God  wot,  a  worthy  deede, 
Setting  the  Courts  wreath  on  the  Cities  head  : 
But  for  his  wreath,  before  one  Terms  demurre, 
He  was  degraded  of  his  Courtly  fpurre. 
(True  badge  of  Honour)  and  from  that  time  fwore, 
Nere  to  approach  the  Cities  confines  more. 
What  fhould  he  doe  ?  the  Citie  was  his  gaine, 
For  poore  Lampetra  nere  had  courtly  ftraine  ; 
But  apifh  imitation,  whofe  fmall  force 
Made  him  admired,  like  an  Hobby-horfe. 
And  yet  they  fay,  he  had  a  wit  at  will : 
Running  like  the  rundell  of  a  blind  horfe-mill.     (fet 
Could  fweare  an  oath,  could  fome  at  mouth  could 
His  words  in  fuftian,  and  could  runne  in  debt, 
Could  skrew  his  face,  could  moralize  a  fable, 
Yet  nere  read  ^Efop,  fit  at  Duke  Humfreys  Table, 
Could  walke  a  turne  in  Pau/es,  could  talke  of  Spaine, 
Yet  nere  was  there,  and  then  come  home  againe. 
Why  this  is  courtly,  and  this  he  could  doe, 
Yea  but  Lampetra  knew  not  how  to  woe. 
Not  wooe  ?  why  he  could  kifle,  and  as  they  fmg 
I'th  ballad  too,  he  could  doe  tother  thing. 
"  A  Pox  thats  true  :  But  fhall  I  tell  thee  why 
She  told  all  out  ?  he  did  fo  fcuruily : 

As 


A  Satyre.  65 

"  As  at  the  very  inftant  when  theyre  taine, 
Shee  faid  (poore  foole)  put  vp  thy  pipe  againe, 
For  fuch  a  Fidler  is  farre  worfe  then  none, 
That  plaies  on  ftill,  yet  has  no  ftroake  but  one. 
But  prethee  fay,  what  fhall  Lampetra  doe  ? 
(As  other  Courtiers)  make  a  foolifh  fhow 
Of  what  they  haue  not :  no,  it  is  decreed, 
Being  boorifli  bred,  he  muft  with  boores  goe,  feede 
On  huskes  and  hawes  ;  and  that  he  may  retaine 
Some  courtly  garbe,  his  ruins  to  maintaine 
Ith  Country  muft  this  rufticke  fwaine  be  plaft, 
To  purchafe  pardons,  when  the  Judgement's  paft  : 
Or  he  may  finde  a  *  Giant  at  S*  Bees 
And  with  his  fight  get  money  if  he  pleafe. 

*  Vt  in  antiquiffimis  Monumentis  in  Monafterio  SainSt.  Bees,  ab 
inclyto  eo  generofijj'.  viro,  Qui  in  hune  diem  cuius  opibus  pre- 
ctpue  Alalaftreis  verfatur,  nuperrime  compertus  Juit ;  et  prope 
Epijlomium  in  Fleetftreet,  pullice  ojieiifum,  &c. 


An 


66 

An  Embleme  writte  vnto  a  Gentleman, 
who  entreated  the  Author  to  diftinguijh 

twixt  Rome  and  roome. 

YOu  mou'd  me  fir,  next  time  I  chanc't  to  come, 
For  to  diftinguifh  betwixt  Rome  and  roome, 
Which  I  haue  done :  and  to  the  full  I  hope, 
Rome  being  as  farre  from  roome,  as  Peter  Pope. 
For  wherefoere  I  am,  wherefoere  I  come, 
I  muft  haue  roome,  yet  that  I  hope's  not  Rome. 
So  whenfoere  I  fee  Saint  Peters  chaire, 
I  doe  inferre,  a  Saint  Peter  has  beene  there. 
But  that  Saint  Peters  heyre  is  now  at  Rome. 
Though  he  be  there,  He  fay  it's  not  his  roome. 
Peter  Romes  piller,  Cater  piller  he, 
Whofe  roome  I  loue  more  then  his  company. 

a  For  we  read  that  in  the  fecond  yeare  of  Claudius  reigne. 
Peter  the  Apoftle  came  to  Rome,  and  there  remained  30. 
yeares  after,  yet  fome  diffent  from  this  opinion,  &c. 


En 


EN    TRES   EXCEL 

lentifsimo  Phantafto  Mariano 

del  Caftello,  equiti  tres  illuftriffimo 
feptentrionali. 

Fades  rare  horned  Dicke. 
An  Anagram  included  in  the  Satyre. 

FAdes  my  rare  horned  Dicke  ?  6,  out  a  cry, 
His  homes  bud  out,  and  gall  him  greeuoufly, 
What  remedy  ?  faith  patience  :  which  appeares 
In's  wife,  whofe  patience,  many  burden  beares. 
Then  he  may  learne  of  her  :  it's  true,  you  fay, 
And  therefore  plyes  his  hornebooke  day  by  day. 


F2 


Ana- 


68 


Anagramma. 
How  Riches  freed1  d  adorne  a  gull? 

Epigram. 

Wife  is  that  Foole,  that  hath  his  coffers  full. 
And  Riches  freed  adorne  the  veriejl  Gull. 
Yet  but  vncafe  the  AJ/e,  and  youjhallfee, 
An  Affe  isftill  an  AJfe,  andfo  is  he. 


An  Epigram  vpon  the  Anagram,  Dedi- 
cated to  the   Mirrour  of  true  Excellency,  his 
much  admired  (though  vnacquainted)  friend, 

Don    MORIANO    DELL    CASTELLO, 
To  whom  the  Author  wifhes  many  cheer- 
full  daies,  delightful!  nights  with  his 
his  late  efpoufed  Mi/lreffe,  whofe 
imparalelld  Vertues  hee  hath 
prefumed  to  illujlrate  in 

Thefe  his  impolifht  (yet  affectionate)  Poems. 

MOrios  Auguftus  thou  great  man  of  fenfe, 
That  art  enftil'd  with  beft  of  Excellence. 

To 


To  Phanta/lo  Mariano.  69 

To  thee  I  write  :  yet  doe  I  not  know  how, 
T  expreffe  thy  worth,  or  with  apparant  (how, 
Of  thy  demerits  blaze  thee  as  thou  fhould, 
Yet  know  (braue  northerne  fpirit)  that  I  would, 
Doe  full  as  much  as  any,  if  my  Art 
Were  but  of  equall  valew  with  my  heart 
For  thou  art  he  amongft  all  other  men, 
That  giues  a  fubiect  to  the  freeft  pen, 
And  canft  define  true  honour  by  degree, 
Drawne  from  the  beft,  yet  inftanced  in  thee. 
Mount  thee  (refolued  Heroe)  that  thy  Fame, 
May  be  a  wreath  to  Morianos  Name. 
Shine  bright,  like  Eos  with  his  beamy  face, 
Whofe  pretious  Mantle,  fring'd  with  fome  gold  lace, 
Made  all  the  paffengers  admire  his  worth, 
Defcending  from  Heauens  Court,  to  lighten  earth. 
I  know  thou  canft  doe  this,  for  I  haue  feene 
Euen  in  a  place,  where  many  more  haue  beene, 
And  haue  obferu'd  thee,  galloping  thy  round, 
Making  low  Congees,  till  thou  kiffe  the  ground 
With  lip  of  thy  humility,  and  then 
Putting  thy  foote  in  ftirrop  once  againe, 
Mounted  thy  barbed  fteed,  then  with  thy  hand, 
Straking  thy  horfes  creft  to  make  him  ftand. 
Who  proud  on's  burden,  frolick'd  in  his  ftay, 
And  with  a  neighing  ftomacke  trac'd  the  way. 
Faire  fall  thee  formall  Gallant  that  haft  force, 
To  tame  the  courage  of  a  head-ftrong  horfe, 
Difplaying  refolution  in  thy  eye 
Courtfhip  in  cloths,  in  fpeech  propriety. 

F  3  In 


7<3  To  PJzantaflo  Moriano. 

In  gefture  admiration,  in  thy  looke 

An  Orbe  of  fafhions,  or  a  Table-booke. 

Of  new-inuented  features  :  in  thy  forme, 

Such  exquifite  perfections  as  adorne 

Natures  beft  Mirror,  O  but  that  I  doubt, 

By  fpeaking  of  thy  worth,  I  fhall  be  out 

I  could  epitomize  each  fpeciall  thing, 

Thy  birth,  thy  worth,  thy  wooing,  fonnetting. 

Yet  for  thy  loue-fake  (whatfoere  befall) 

I  will  fpeake  fomthing,  though  I  fpeake  not  all.   (net 

Mongft  which  my  Mufe  records  that  amorous  fon- 

Which  who  will  not  admire,  that  looks  vpon  it, 

Writ  to  that  faire  Alicia  now  behight, 

The  chaft-vow'd  wife  vnto  an  honor'd  Knight : 

Where  with  loues  paflions,  thou  fo  well  did  fhow  it, 

That  none  could  thinke  thee  letter  then  a  Poet 

Apt  in  thy  words,  in  thy  dimenfions  rare, 

Thy  Figures  proper,  and  thy  motions  faire. 

Art  could  not  fhow,  or  euer  yet  bring  forth, 

So  farre  fetcht  ftraines  inuented  fo  farre  North. 

Now  of  her  Beauty  wouldft  thou  Comment  make, 

And  vow  to  take  ftrange  labours  for  her  fake  : 

Then  to  induce  her  loue  (by  meanes  moft  fit) 

Thou  wouldft  commend  the  promptnes  of  her  wit, 

Protefting  by  the  aery  powers  aboue, 

(As  who  ere  lou'd  would  not  proteft  they  loue  ?) 

Noe  fpeech  ere  Pallas  fpake  merits  more  praife, 

Then  what  thy  Miftreffe  Dere  Alicia  faies. 

Then  wouldft  thou  defcant  of  her  rubie  lippe, 

(Though  thou  had  neuer  lucke  to  taft  of  it) 

Then 


To  Phantafto  Moriano.  7 1 

Then  of  her  pure  complexion  which  did  praife 
It  felfe,  not  as  complexions  now  adaies. 
Then  of  her  louely  quallities  which  might  be 
Styled  the  Eccoes  of  heauens  harmonic. 
Then  of  her  vertues  fo  diuine,  fo  rare, 
As  they  furpaft  the  reft  aboue  compare. 
All  this  thou  didft  to  fhew  her  eminence, 
More  grac't  by  thee  being  ftil'd  his  excellence. 
And  faire  thy  loue  had  ended  as  begun, 
If  that  a  Web  had  not  thy  loues  web  fpun. 
Great  Northerne  Atlas,  what  can  I  fay  more, 
Then  of  thy  merits  hath  been  faid  tofore. 
At  leaft  obferu'd  ?  for  many  men  doe  fee, 
And  know  it  well  I  write  but  truth  of  thee. 
O  that  times  records  Ihould  be  fo  portraide, 
In  leaues  of  braffe,  that  what  was  done  or  faid, 
In  auncient  ages,  fhould  fo  well  difplay, 
Their  full  euents,  as  done  but  t'other  day. 
Whileft  thy  renowme  great  mirrour  of  the  North, 
Showne  in  our  time,  wants  one  to  fet  it  foorth, 
"  Whereas  its  no  leffe  glory  to  a  Crowne, 

To  haue  Authors  then  haue  A6lors  of  renowne. 
Yet  fhall  not  vertue  fo  obfcured  bee, 
Nor  thofe  accompliflit  parts  appeare  in  thee. 
Lie  rak't  in  Afhes  :  No  great  Marios  heire, 
Thou  fhalt  not  Hue  as  though  there  nothing  were, 
Worthy  pofterity ;  its  I  will  write, 
Though  far  vnfitting  for  fo  great  a  light 
My  beft  of  thee,  that  art  the  beft  of  man, 
"  He  does  not  ill  that  does  the  bcft  he  can. 

F  4  Accept 


72  To  Phantafto  Moriano. 

Accept  it  needes  thou  muft,  how  er't  be  done, 

Being  thy  Fathers  God-fonne,  thou  his  fonne. 

But  of  all  vertues  that  attend  on  thee, 

There's  none  that  equals  thy  humilitie. 

Yet  fo  as  thou  art  generous  with  all, 

A  ftile  that  does  adorne  thee  moft  of  all. 

Vnto  thy  humble  fpirit  annex't  there  is, 

Another  foueraigne  vertue,  Patience  ; 

Or  the  enduring  of  an  iniurie  : 

Which  of  all  others  is  obferu'd  in  thee. 

Thou  wilt  not  fnuffe  if  one  correct  thee  :  no, 

Nor  hardly  aske  him  why  he  wrong'd  thee  fo. 

Thou  wilt  not  anfwere  to  thine  owne  disgrace, 

Nor  taxe  the  man  that  turdefies  thy  face, 

Thou  wilt  not  grieue  for  euery  light  offence, 

Feare  is  thy  guide,  thy  Jhield  is  Patience, 

Thou  like  a  chriftian  walkes  (God  wot)  in  feare, 

And  being  boxt  will  turne  the  other  eare. 

Thou  art  Gods  man,  and  whatfoe're  men  fay, 

He  is  the  beft  man  at  the  later  day. 

Thou  art  no  bluftring  boy  that  walkes  the  ftreete, 

And  bindes  a  quarrell  with  who  fere  he  meete. 

Thou  art  no  Haxtar  that  by  nature's  giuen, 

To  rage  on  Earth,  but  nere  to  raigne  in  Heauen. 

In  briefe,  thou  art  the  man  that  God  will  chufe, 

Wearing  a  blade  for  fafhion  more  then  vfe. 

Nor  doe  I  flatter  thee  for  ne're  was  I 

Seruile  to  anie  man :  but  if  my  eie 

Impartiall  in  her  knowledge  feeme  to  fhow, 

What  by  obferuance  other  men  doe  know, 

And 


To  Phantafto  Mariano.  73 

And  haue  admir'd,  pardon  I  neede  not  craue, 

Since  I  expreffe  but  what  thy  merits  haue 

Deferu'd  :  enough.     Thy  vertues  are  with  beft, 

And  little  need  they  to  be  more  expreft, 

Then  as  they  are  ?  Goe  on  (my  honourd  friend) 

And  as  thou  haft  begun,  fo  fairely  end. 

Be  Fame  thy  Herauld  to  blaze  forth  thy  worth, 

Making  thee  Morios,  none  fuch  vpon  earth. 

Be  as  thou  art,  and  more  thou  canft  not  be, 

Since  beft  of  being  is  included  in  thee. 

Be  thou  as  hee,  to  whom  all  may  refort, 

Mufes  I  meane,  and  coming  thank  thee  for't. 

Be  thou  as  Cczfar  in  the  Capitall, 

So  thou  of  Morios  Caftell  Centinell. 

Be  as  thou  art  reported,  great  in  wit, 

And  fo  difereet,  as  thou  mai'ft  mannage  it. 

Be  as  thou  art,  founder  of  iollitie, 

Grauen  in  the  gold-cup  of  our  Langanbie. 

Be  as  thou  would'ft  be,  and  I  wifh  no  more, 

So  time  fhall  fecond  what  I  write  before. 
But  'laffe  poore  Mufe  haft  thou  no  more  to  fpeake 
Of  fuch  a  fubie<5t,  (pray  thee  deare  awake) 
And  memorife  his  name  in  euery  page, 
From  this  time  forth  vnto  a  following  age. 
No  ?  what  is  my  wit  drawne  drie  ?  or  I  am  tane 
With  fome  amazement  at  a  great  mans  name  ? 
Why  thou  haft  writ  of  men  as  great  before, 

And  haft  expreft  their  actions  ore  and  ore. 
Turn'th  ore  their  beft  of  glory,  and  i'th  end, 

So  won  their  hearts,  as  thou  becamft  their  friend. 

And 


74  To  PJiantafto  Moriano. 

And  art  thou  now  growne  filent  ?  cannot  he 

That  merits  beft,  receiue  like  praife  of  thee  ? 

No,  no  :  he  cannot ;  fo  obfcur'de  he  Hues, 

That  though  I  write  but  truth,  yet  who  belieues 

A  true  relation,  when  we  feeme  to  (how 

A  man  to  men  whom  they  doe  hardly  know  ? 

O  then  (redoubted  fir)  let  me  now  end 

This  home-bred  Sonnet  (as  a  louing  friend 

That  would  perfwade)  if  you  perfwad'  would  be 

To  Ihew  your  felfe  fomething  more  openlie 

Vnto  the  world  :  O  fee  how  men  repine, 

That  you  fo  long  conceal'd,  fhould  gull  the  time, 

Hauing  fuch  parts,  as  much  adorne  your  birth, 

Yet  has  no  willing  mind  to  fet  them  forth. 

What  is  a  lewell  worth  if  euer  hid  ? 

Or  whats  a  cafed  Inftrument  in  (lead  ? 

The  luftre  of  the  former  is  not  feene, 

Nor  can  we  know  by  'th  latter  what't  does  meane. 

For  Gemmes  and  inftruments  are  knowne  by  tutch, 

And  fuch  as  fhow  them  men,  we  know  them  fuch. 

With  like  good  will  doe  I  prefent  thee  thefe, 

As  Mopfus  (that  poor  fhepard)  fent  a  cheefe 

Vnto  his  Phillis :  and  it  came  to  me 

Once  in  my  minde,  to  fend  the  like  to  thee : 

But  for  I  fear'd  (and  I  haue  caufe  to  feare) 

That  you  had  better  cheefe  then  any  here  : 

In  fteed  of  bride-cakes,  cheefecakes  I  was  tide 

In  loue,  to  fend  this  prefent  to  your  Bride. 

All  haile  to  Himen  and  this  marriage  day : 
Strow  rufhes,  and  quickly  come  away. 

Bring 


To  Phantaflo  Moriano.  75 

Bring  in  your  flowers,  and  giue  of  each  of  them 

To  fuch  as  lov'd,  and  are  forfaken  men  : 

For  well  I  know  fo  louing  is  the  Bride, 

So  curteous  and  fo  liberall  befide 

Of  her  difcreete  affection,  I  dare  fay 

None  muft  depart  vnfatisfied  away. 

Strew  rufhes  maides,  and  euer  as  you  ftrew, 

Thinke  one  day  maides,  like  will  be  done  for  you  : 

Strew  you,  He  fmg,  or  if  you  like  not  choife  : 

Sing  you,  He  ftrew  :  you  haue  the  better  voice. 


Crowned  be  thou  Queene  of  loue, 
By  thofe  glorious  powers  aboue  : 
Loue  and  Bewtie  ioyn'd  together 
May  they  col  and  kiffe  each  other, 
And  in  midft  of  their  delight, 
Shew  thee  pleafure  in  the  night. 
For  where  a6ls  of  loue  refort, 
Longeft  nights  feeme  too  too  fhort ; 
May  thou  fleeping  dreame  of  that, 
Which  thou  waking  doft  partake, 
That  both  fleepe  and  watching  may 
Make  the  darkeft  night  feeme  day : 
As  a  fort  befieged  reft, 
Yeelding  moft,  when  feeming  left  : 
Or  in  pleafures  may  thy  fmile 
Burnifh  like  the  Camomile, 
Which  in  verdure  is  encreft 
Moft,  when  it  is  moft  depreft. 

Vertues 


76  To  PJiantafto  Mariano. 

Vertues  as  they  doe  attend  thee, 

So  may  foueraigne  thoughts  defend  thee. 

A6ling  in  thy  loue  with  him, 

Wedlocks  actions  are  no  fmne  : 

Who  in  Hymens  bands  is  ioyned, 

And  in  facred  loue  combined, 

To  remaine  euer  thine. 

He  thy  Picture  thou  his  fiirine, 

Thou  the  mettall  he  the  mint, 

Thou  the  waxe  he  the  print, 

He  the  Lant-horne,  thou  the  lampe, 

Thou  the  bulloine,  he  the  ftampe. 

Thou  the  figure  he  the  feature  ; 

He  thy  former,  thou  his  creature. 

He  the  image,  legge  and  limme, 

Thou  the  mould  to  caft  him  in. 

He  the  plummet  thou  the  center, 

Thou  to  Ihelter  he  to  enter  ; 

Thou  the  Parke  or  fhady  vale, 

"  He  the  dogge  that  freth's  the  pale. 

Hammer  he  to  ftrike  alone, 

Anuile  thou  to  beate  vpon  : 

More  I  could,  but  more  I  will  not, 

Since  to  fpeake  more  much  it  skils  not ; 

Onely  I  will  here  extend 

Th'  period  of  my  fpeech  as  friend  ; 

And  exprefle  what  I  proteft 

Comes  from  th'  center  of  my  breft, 

That  my  proteftations  may 

Beare  record  another  day. 

Jo 


To  Phantofto  Moriano. 

Id  Hymen  crowne  the  night 
Of  thefe  Nuptials  with  delight. 


77 


No  more,  no  more  :  much  honour  aie  betide, 
The  lofty  Bride-groome,  and  the  louely  Bride  : 
That  their  fucceeding  dayes  and  yeeres  may  fay, 
Each  day  appeares  like  to  a  mariage  day. 

But  now  retire,  darke  fhades  haue  lodg'd  the  fun, 
Put  vp  thy  pipes  for  now  thy  layes  are  done. 

Finis  Epithalami. 


To   the  hopefull  young  Gentle- 

man,  and  his  experienced 'friend \ 

Mr.  CHEATER. 

ANAGRAMM. 
TEA  CHER. 

Teacher  you  are,  for  you  haue  taught  me  more, 
Then  I  was  taught  in  all  my  life  before. 

A  G  R  AT  V  L  AT  O  RY  Epigram. 

(write 

r  I  "*O  thee  (young  youth)  thefe  youngling  lines  I 
Jl    Stor'd  with  my  beft  of  wifhes  :  may  delight 

Crowne 


78  To  Phantajlo  Mariano. 

Crowne  that  long-wifht  for  Nuptial  bed  of  thine, 
(Which  fhould  haue  been)  if  Fate  had  granted  mine 
With  many  happy  nights  :  Bleft  be  my  fate, 
Since  what  one  friend  has  is  communicate 
Vnto  an  other,  that  my  loue  fhould  end, 
And  ending,  giue  beginning  to  my  friend. 
But  why  fay  I  its  ended  ?  fith  by  thee, 
A  three-loues  fong  beares  defcant  merily. 
And  thus  it  is  :  I  lou'd  her,  where  thou  art, 
Shee  thee,  thou  mee  ;  three  louers  in  one  heart : 
Shee  thine,  thou  mine  (if  mine  thou  ftil'd  may  be) 
Makes  her  in  being  thine,  efpows'd  to  me. 


An  Embleme  which  the  Author  compo 

fed  in  honour  of  his  Mi/iris,  to  whom 

he  refts  euer  denoted. 

Allufiuely  fhadowing  her  name  in  the 

title  of  the  Embleme,  which 

hee  enftiles  : 

His  Frankes  Anatomie. 

FRanke  thy  name  doth  promife  much, 
If  thy  nature  were  but  fuch  : 
But  alaffe  what  difference  growe 
'Twixt  thofe  two,  I  onely  know  ? 

I  alafle 


Frankes  Anatomie.  79 

I  alas  that  to  thy  bewtie 

Am  deuoted  in  all  dewtie  ; 

I  that  once  inuented  layes, 

Singing  them  in  Shepheards  praife, 

I  that  once  from  loue  was  free 

Till  I  fell  in  loue  with  thee  : 

I  that  neuer  yet  began 

Trade,  to  hold  my  miftris  fan  ; 

I  that  neuer  yet  could  knowe, 

Whether  loue  was  high  or  lowe  : 

I  that  neuer  loued  was, 

Nor  could  court  a  looking-glafle  : 

I  that  neuer  knew  loues  lawe, 

Nor  lov'd  longer  then  I  fawe  ; 

I  that  knew  not  what's  now  common, 

To  throw  fheep-eyes  at  a  woman : 

I  that  neuer  yet  could  proue, 

Or  make  fhew  of  heartie  loue  : 

I  that  neuer  broke  my  fleepe, 

Nor  did  know  what  charms  did  keepe 

Louers  eyes  :  now  can  tell 

What  would  pleafe  a  louer  well. 

Shall  I  tell  thee  ?  yes  I  will, 

And  being  tolde :  or  faue,  or  kill. 

It  would  pleafe  him,  if  he  might 

Euer  liue  in's  Miftris  fight : 

It  would  pleafe  him  t'  haue  the  hap, 

But  to  fleep  in  's  Miftris  lap : 

Or  to  haue  his  Miftris  faire, 

With  her  hand  to  ftroke  his  haire. 

Or 


8o  Frankes  Anatomic. 

Or  to  play  at  foot-S'.  with  him, 

Or  at  barly-breake  to  breathe  him  ; 

Or  to  walke  a  turne  or  two, 

Or  to  kiffe,  or  coll,  or  woe  ; 

Or  in  fome  retired  Groue, 

But  to  parly  with  his  loue. 

Or  when  none  that's  iealous  fpies, 

To  looke  babbies  in  his  eyes  : 

Or  when  a6lion  ginnes  to  fayle, 

To  fupply  it  with  a  tale. 

Venus  vnto  Vulcane  wedde, 

Yet  came  Mars  to  Vulcanes  bedde : 

He  and  fhe  being  both  in  one, 

Whileft  poore  Vulcan  lies  alone ; 

Or  if  this  will  not  affoord 

loy  enough  :  obferue  each  bird 

How  (he  fmgles  out  her  make 

And  to  him  does  onely  take. 

See  their  billing  each  with  other, 

(Loue  and  dallying  younc't  together) 

Mutuall  loue  inheres  in  either, 

Being  birds  both  of  one  feather  ; 

Or  if  this  yeeld  no  content. 

To  refort  vnto  the  plant. 

Which  being  grafted  skilfully, 

Brings  forth  fruit  aboundantly : 

Deeper  that  the  plant's  we  fee, 

Sooner  will  it  fruitfull  be, 

Which  (my  franke)  in  modefty, 

Thus  I  will  apply  to  thee. 

Deeper 


Frankes  Anatomic.  81 

Deeper  that  thy  loue  is  fet, 
More  impreflion  may  it  get : 
Riper  fruits  then  fuch  as  growe, 
And  are  planted  fcarce  fo  lowe  : 
If  you  aske  me  what  I  feeme, 
By  impreflion  for  to  meane, 
I  will  tell  thee  :  fuch  as  thefe, 
Impreflions  onely  women  pleafe. 
"  Coine  for  ftampe  fake  we  allowe  : 
So  for  ftampe  fake  do  we  you, 
Weake's  that  Euidence  you  know 
That  has  neither  feale  to  fhowe, 
Stampe,  impreflion  :  fuch  (I  ken) 
Are  you  maydes,  not  ftampt  by  men 
Weake,  God  wot,  for  why  you  take 
Your  perfection  from  your  make  : 
Then  if  thou  defire  to  be 
Perfect,  haue  recourf  to  me  : 
Or  fome  other  that  may  giue, 
What  old  Adam  gaue  to  Eue, 
'Laffe  its  nothing :  pray  thee  take  it, 
Many  wifh  it  that  forfake  it. 
But  when  fhamefull  dance  is  done, 
They  could  wifh  they  had  begun 
Many  yeeres  before  they  learnt  it, 
(O  how  gladly  would  they  earne  it  ?) 
But  too  long,  I  feeme  to  ftay, 
Ere  thy  beauty  I  difplay  : 
Spare  me  fweeteft  for  my  Mufey 
Seldome  makes  fo  faire  a  chufe. 

G  Chufe 


82  Frankes  Anatomic. 

Chufe  it  Loue  what  ere  it  be, 
Reade  thy  owne  Anatomie. 


Pureft  of  Ophyr-gold,  let  me  prepare 
Firft  for  the  choice  defcription  of  thy  hayre, 
Which  like  the  fineft  thrids  of  purple  feeme 
Clere  to  out-ftrip  thofe  of  the  Paphian  Queene  ; 
Whofe  tender  treffes  were  fo  neatly  wrought, 
As  Cholcos  fleece  feem'd  to  be  thither  brought, 
And  fure  it  was,  what  ere  fond  Poets  fay, 
And  this  was  th'  fleece  which  lafon  tooke  away. 
Delicious  Amber  is  the  breath  which  flowes 
From  thofe  perfumed  conduits  of  thy  nofe, 
Thy  fmile,  a  fnare,  which  tempts  the  way-ward  boy 
Adon  the  faire,  and  bids  him  leaue  to  ioy 
In  Forreft  pleafures,  there's  a  fruitleffe  marke, 
Hauing  more  (lore  of  game  within  thy  parke. 
Thy  lippes  (two  gates)  where  loue  makes  entrie  in, 
And  yet  fo  modeft  as  nere  taxt  of  finne  : 
Thy  cheek,  that  rofie  circlet  of  pure  loue, 
Refembling  neereft  that  Cajlalian  groue ; 
Where  fuch  variety  of  flowers  appeare 
That  nought  feems  good,  which  is  not  beter'd  there. 
Thy  blufh  (pure  blufh)  Embleme  of  Chaftitie 
Bluftiing,  yet  guiltleffe  of  ought  done  by  thee 
Portends  a  maidens  honeft-fpotlefle  heart, 
Hauing  thy  blufh  by  nature  not  by  Art. 
Thy  chin  (that  dimpled  mount)  which  hath  laft  place 
Yet  giues  no  leffer  bewty  to  thy  face  : 

Then 


Frankes  Anatomic.  83 

Then  th'  greateft  ornament :  for  it  doth  (how 
Like  to  a  pleafant  Vale  feated  belowe 
Some  fteepy  Mount :  thy  chriftall  eyes  the  fount, 
Thy  chin  the  Vale,  thy  louely  face  the  Mount 

0  is  not  then  this  feature,  boue  compare, 
Where  breath  is  perfume,  and  pure  gold  is  hayre 
Where  fmiles  are  fnares,  lippes  gates  of  luorie, 
Cheekes  rofes,  blufhes  types  of  chaftitie  : 
Where  chin  a  vale,  the  browe  the  mount,  the  face 
That  Soueraigne  of  the  heart,  that  keeps  loues  place  : 
Where  fhall  I  looke  then,  or  how  fliall  I  moue 
Thefe  eyes  of  mine  and  teach  them  not  to  loue  ? 
For  if  my  eyes  fhould  but  thy  haire  beholde, 

1  muft  be  forc't  to  loue  for  it  is  golde  : 
If  thy  delicious  breath  I  chaunce  to  fip, 
Being  the  rofie  verdure  of  thy  lip  ; 

I  deeme  my  felfe  in  that  fweet  perfume  bleft 

Much  more,  in  that,  worfe  breaths  be  in  requeft  : 

If  thou  do  fmile,  I  loue,  and  wifh  the  while, 

That  I  might  only  liue  to  fee  thee  fmile. 

If  thou  do  fpeake  (pure  Orator)  I 'me  dumb, 

For  why  ?  thy  admiration  curbs  my  tongue. 

If  thou  but  blufh  (as  maydes  are  wont  to  doe) 

My  paflions  are  perplex'd,  I  wot  not  how,          (pale, 

'Twixt  feare  and  loue  :   feare  makes  me  wondrous 

Fearing  thy  blufh  came  from  fome  wanton  tale. 

Too  too  immodeft  fpoken  by  my  felfe. 

Which  to  aflbyle  lie  reprehend  my  felfe  ; 

If  I  but  tutch,  to  tutch  's  a  veniall  fin, 

The  pretty  circle  of  thy  dimpled  chin  : 

G  2  I  vowe 


84  Frankes  Anatomie. 

I  vowe  and  in  my  vowe  giues  Bewtie  thanks, 

That  chin  was  Venus,  though  it  now  be  Franks. 

Yet  haue  I  not  fpoke  all  that  I  doe  fee ; 

Or  at  leaft  iudge  in  thy  Anatomie : 

For  true  Anatomifts  being  men  of  Art, 

Know  the  exact  defcription  of  each  part, 

Member  and  arterie  :  fo  mould  my  fight 

Be  in  my  Franke  if  I  defcribe  her  right, 

Which  that  I  might  reduce  to  fome  full  end, 

Though  there's  no  end  in  loue,  I  will  defcend 

To  the  diftinct  relation  of  the  reft, 

And  in  my  Franks  difcouery  thinke  me  bleft. 

Thy  wafte,  (without  wafte)  like  a  curious  frame, 

Aptly  proportion'd  ftill  referues  the  fame  : 

Or  like  fome  well  compofed  Inftrument 

Exact  in  forme,  in  accent  excellent ; 

So  is  thy  wafte,  and  happy  may  he  be, 

That's  borne  to  make  it  ftrike  true  harmony. 

Thy  belly  (if  coniectures  true  may  be) 

For  we  muft  gueffe  at  that  we  cannot  fee, 

Is  like  an  orient  Cordon  pearled  faire, 

With  diuerfe  feats  of  Nature  here  and  there. 

Where  glides  a  chriftall  ftreameling  to  abate, 

The  heate  of  Nature  oft  infatiate. 

Pardon  me  Deere  :  Nature  ordained  firft 

That  Fount  of  yours,  to  quench  the  place  of  thirft. 

Thy  thigh  (imagination  now  muft  doe) 

For  I  muft  fpeake,  though  well  I  know  not  how, 

Like  the  laborious  and  the  loaden  Bee, 

That  haftens  to  her  hiue  melodioufly. 

Nor 


Frankes  Anatomie.  85 

Nor  is  her  freight  more  lufcious  (Deere)  then  thine, 

For  thine  is  full  of  pleafure,  hers  of  Thyme : 

Thy  knee  like  to  an  orbe  that  turnes  about, 

Giuing  free  paffage  to  thy  nimble  foote, 

Apt  for  each  motion,  actiue  in  loues  fphere, 

Moouing  her  ioints  to  trip  it  euery  where. 

Thy  legge  (like  Delias)  neither  bigge  nor  fmall, 

But  fo  well  fram'd  and  featured  in  all, 

That  Nature  might  feeme  enuious  to  impart, 

So  great  a  good,  and  hide  fo  good  a  part 

Thy  foote  the  curiouft  module  of  the  reft, 

For  Art  and  Nature  there  be  both  expreft  : 

Art  in  the  motion,  Nature  in  the  frame, 

Where  action  works,  and  motion  moues  the  fame. 

Nor  can  I  credite  what  our  Poets  fay, 

Affirming  Venus  chanc't  vpon  a  day 

To  pricke  her  foote,  fo  as  from  th'  blood  me  fhed, 

The  damafke-rofe  grew  euer  after  red  ; 

For  if  from  blood  fuch  ftrange  effe6ls  mould  be, 

Stanger  (ere  this)  had  been  deriu'd  from  thee  : 

But  Poets  though  tJtey  write,  Painters  portray, 

It's  in  ottr  choice  to  credit  what  they  fay. 

Yet  credit  me  (for  I  would  haue  thee  know  it) 

I  neuer  yet  durft  challenge  name  of  Poet : 

Onely  thine  owne  I  am  and  ftill  will  be, 

For  whom  I  writ  this  poore  Anatomie. 


G  3  Vpon 


86 

Vpon  his  Mi/Iris  Nuptiall, 

ENSTI  LED  : 

His  Frankes  Farewell. 

(pray? 

WHy  whither  Frankef  to  th'  church?  for  what  to 
O  no  :  to  fay,  what  thou  canft  nere  vnfay  : 
Alafle  poore  Girle  :  I  fee  thy  quondam  friend, 
Hath  caufe  to  fay  his  hopes  are  at  an  end  : 
How  vainely  then  be  our  affections  plafte, 
On  women-kinde,  that  are  fo  feeming  chafte, 
And  priuately  fo  forward-well-be  gone, 
(If  ere  I  marry)  I'le  finde  fuch  an  one, 
As  (in  her  modefty)  will  thinke't  a  difgrace 
"  Others  to  loue  when  I  am  out  of  place. 
But  I  do  thank  thee  Franke,  th'  haft  taught  me  more, 
Then  I  could  learne  in  twice  feauen  yeere  before  ; 
For  I  did  thinke  your  fimple  fexe  did  hate 
By  double  dealing  to  equiuocate  : 
Where  by  experience  now  I  finde  it  common, 
That  faft  and  loofe  is  vfuall  with  women. 
Yet  on  thefe  rites  this  line  my  loue  Jhall  tell, 
Fare  well  or  ill,  I  wi/Ji  my  Frank  &  farewell. 


An 


An  Epigramme  called  the 
WOOER. 

COme  yee  braue  wooers  of  Penelope, 
Doe  not  repine  that  you  mould  crofled  be  : 
For  pregnant  wits,  and  ripeft  braines  can  fhow, 
As  much  or  more  then  euer  you  did  know. 
And  that  my  ftorie  better  may  appeare, 
Attend  to  my  difcourfe,  and  you  fhall  heare. 

It  chanc't  vpon  a  time  (and  then  was'th  time) 
When  the  thigh-fraughted  Bee  gathered  her  thyme, 
Stored  her  platted  Cell,  her  fragrant  bower,  (er 

Crop't  from  each  branch,  each  bloffom  &  each  flow- 
When'th  pretty  Lam-kin  fcarce  a  fortnight  old, 
Skipped  and  froliked  'fore  the  neighbouring  fold, 
When'the  cheerfull  Robin,  Larke,  and  Lenaret, 
Tun'de  vp  their  voices,  and  together  met, 
When'th  fearefull  Hare  to  cheere  her  quaint  delight, 
Did  make  her  felfe  her  owne  Hermaphrodite, 
When'th  louely  Turtle  did  her  eies  awake, 
And  with  fwift  flight  follow'd  her  faithfull  make, 
When  euery  Beaft  prepar'd  her  wonted  den, 
For  her  owne  young,  and  made  to  couer  them, 
When  Flora  with  her  mantle  tucked  vp, 
Gathred  the  dewie  flow'rs,  and  them  did  put 
In  her  embrodred  skirts  which  were  rancke  fet, 
With  Prime-rofe,  Cow-flip,  and  the  violet, 
The  dill,  the  dafie,  fweet-breath'd  Eglantine, 
The  Crowfoote,  panfie,  and  the  Columbine, 

G  4  The 


88  The  Wooer. 

The  pinke,  the  plantaine,  milfoile,  euery  one, 
With  Marigold  that  opens  with  the  Sunne  ; 
Euen  then  it  was,  (ill  may  I  fay  it  was) 
When  young  Admetus  woed  a  countrey  laffe, 
A  countrie  laffe  whom  he  did  woe  indeede, 
To  be  his  Bride,  but  yet  he  could  not  fpeede. 
Which  forc't  him  grieue  :  heare  but  his  caufe  of  woe, 
And  you'le  not  wonder  why  he  fhould  doe  fo  ? 

Vertuous  the  maide  was,  and  fo  grac't  by  fate, 
As  fhe  was  wife,  and  did  degenerate 
From  her  weake-witted  father  :  modefty 
Lodg'd  on  her  cheeke,  and  fhowd  virginity 
In  a  faire  Rofie  colour,  which  was  fpread 
By  equall  mixture  both  of  white  and  red. 
So  as  no  white  it  feem'd,  but  Idas  fnow, 
No  red,  but  fuch  where  Roses  vfe  to  grow. 
And  though  of  Hero  many  one  doe  write, 
Styling  her  foueraigne  Goddeffe  of  delight, 
So  faire  as  fhe  was  taken  for  no  other, 
Of  all  that  faw  her,  then  Adonis  mother. 
So  pure  her  skin,  fo  motiue  to  the  eie, 
As  it  did  feeme  compof'd  of  luorie. 
So  high  and  broad  her  front,  fo  fmoth,  fo  euen, 
As  it  did  feeme  the  Frontifpice  of  Heauen. 
So  purely  mixt  her  cheekes,  as  it  might  feeme, 
She  was  by  nature  made  for  natures  Queene. 
So  pretty  dinted  was  her  dimpled  chin, 
As't  feem'd  a  gate  to  let  affeclion  in. 
So  fweete  her  breath,  (as  I  haue  hard  them  tell) 
That  like  to  CaJJla  fhe  did  euer  fmell. 

So 


T/ie  Wooer.  89 

So  louely  were  thofe  mounts  of  pure  delight, 

That  Gods  themfelues  wer  cheered  with  their  fight : 

So  as  great  loue  (for  fo  our  Poets  fay) 

Fain'd  himfelfe  ficke  for  her  vpon  a  day. 

Wife  j&fculapius  he  was  fent  forthwith, 

Who  felt  loues  pulfe,  yet  found  no  figne  of  death, 

Or  any  great  diftemper :  (yet  to  pleafe  loue 

For  he  perceiu'd  his  malady  was  loue) 

Said  ;  Sir,  Faue  found  your  grief:  what  i'ft  (quoth  he  ?) 

A  meere  confumption,  yet  be  rul'd  by  me, 

And  follow  my  directions  (though  with  paine) 

And  then  no  doubt  you  (hall  be  well  againe. 

Fiue  mornes  muft  you  to'Abidoes  towne  repaire, 

And  fuck  pure  milke  from  th'  fair'ft  virgin  there. 

loue  hearing  what  he  wifht,  obey'd  his  heft ; 

And  war  foone  well  by  fucking  Heroes  bred. 

Yet  what  was  Hero,  though  the  fair'ft  that  was 

In  all  her  time  vnto  Admetus  laffe  ? 

Though  Heroes  beuty  did  allure  all  men, 

The  time  is  chang'd,  now's  now,  and  then  was  then. 

Each  milk-maide  in  fore  time  was  thought  a  Queen, 

So  rare  was  perfect  bewty  to  be  feene. 

But  now,  where  is  no  Venus  to  be  had  ? 

Such  ftore  I  wot  there  be,  that  euery  lad 

Can  haue  his  trickfie  laffe,  which  wantonlie, 

Scarce  crept  from  fhell,  he  dandles  on  his  knee. 

But  to  my  ftorie  of  fuch  royall  parts 

Was  fhe  compofed,  that  the  very  hearts 

Of  her  attendants,  as  it  did  apeare, 

Were  fpouf'd  to  this  pure  virgin  euery  where, 


9O  T/ie  Wooer. 

With  what  refolued  filence  would  her  wit, 
Oppofe  her  tongue,  and  feeme  to  bridle  it  ? 
With  what  difcretion  would  fhe  fpeake  her  minde, 
And  nere  tranfgrefle  thofe  limits  ftie  aflign'd. 
But  with  that  decencie  of  grace  and  fpeech, 
As  She  might  feeme  the  elder  fort  to  teach. 
"  What  a  bleft  fexe  were  woman  if  this  fong 
Were  onely  learnt  them,  for  to  hold  their  tongue, 
And  fpeake  no  more  (O  t'were  a  leffon  good) 
Then  that  were  fit,  and  what  they  vnderftood  ? 
But  when  will  that  be  taught  them !  O  (I  feare) 
Neuer ;  for  womens  tongues  be  euery  where. 
So  as  at  firft,  if  they  had  no  tongue, 
It  may  be  thought  they  would  not  haue  been  dumb. 
Such  is  th'ternall  motion,  that  its  fayd, 
When  women  fpeechlejfe  lie  they're  neerly  dead. 
This  virgin  which  Admetus  fought  to  haue, 
Befide  her  vertues,  then  which  who  could  craue, 
A  better  portion,  had  an  ample  dowre, 
Which  did  enrich  thofe  gifts  that  were  before 
Expreffed  and  dilated,  and  to  tell 
The  very  trueth,  fhe  lou'd  Admetus  well. 
And  could  haue  brook't  all  others  t'haue  denide, 
So  that  fhe  might  haue  been  Admetits  bride. 
But  he  a  fhamefaft  lad,  though  oft  he  fought 
Her  loue,  yet  durft  not  vtter  what  he  thought. 
Nor  to  her  parents  could  impart  his  minde, 
How  he  affected  was,  and  how  inclinde. 
Yet  ftill  was  he  refpefted,  and  in  grace, 
Nor  any  fought  to  put  him  out  of  place. 

Nor 


The  Wooer.  91 

Nor  to  withdraw  th'affection  of  the  maid, 

From  that  foundation  where  it  once  was  laid 

For  three  months  fpace,  hung  it  in  this  fufpence, 

Neither  conceald  nor  fhowne  :  till's  Excellence, 

For  fo  was  th'Title  of  a  noble  Squire, 

Whofe  liuing  bordered  in  th'adioyning  mire, 

By  an  intendment  (as  he  thought  vpon't) 

Put  poore  Admetus  nofe  quite  out  of  ioynt, 

And  thus  it  was  :  for  I  meane  to  repeat 

By  what  deceit,  what  cunning  flight  and  cheat, 

He  bobd  this  fimple  Swaineling  ;  on  a  day, 

When  young  Admetus  had  addreft  his  way 

To  Troinouant,  where  he  occafion  had,      1.    •  ].. ', 

"  His  Excellence  in  th'abfence  of  the  ladde, 

Acquaints  another  with  Bellinaes  loue, 

(For  fo  her  name  was  :)  he  more  prompt  to  moue 

Affe6tion,  then  Admetus  ere  could  be, 

Wins  me  Bellina's  fort  couragioufly, 

By  new  affaults,  incurfions,  and  difplaid 

His  youngling  Colours  :  when  the  breach  was  made. 

O  how  methinks  I  fee  th'young  Souldier  fweat, 

Till  he  hath  done,  and  perfected  his  feat 

How  he  affailes,  affaults,  afcends,  inclines, 

Inuades,  inuirons,  mines,  vndermines, 

Whil'ft  (he  like  to  a  Fort  opprefl  doth  lye, 

Depriu'd  all  meanes  of  helpe,  yet  will  not  crye. 

He  like  a  (lout  victorious  Hanniballt 

Bidding  her  yeeld,  or  he  will  raze  the  wall. 

She  though  made  fubie<5l  to  his  conquering  hand, 

Like  Carthage  Oueene  ftill  at  defiance  (lands. 

He 


92  T/ie  Wooer. 

He  (with  the  Spirit  of  a  Mirmidon^) 

Makes  her  the  Carpet  which  he  lies  vpon. 

She  (Deianira-\fee)  will  chufe  death  firft, 

Ere  fhe  craue  mercy,  bids  him  doe  his  worft. 

He  enters  th'breach,  and  doth  his  fignall  rere, 

And  leaues  fome  token  that  he  has  beene  there : 

She  glories  in  her  conqueft,  and  throwne  downe, 

Saies,  I  am  low,  yet  am  not  ouercome. 

He  doth  renew  his  battery,  and  ftands  too't, 

And  fhe  Vyrago-like,  yeelds  not  a  foote. 

He  takes  more  firmer  grounding,  yet  is  fhe 

Still  as  fhe  was,  lower  fhe  cannot  be. 

He  plants  his  Engines  deeper,  labours  more, 

Yet  fhe  protefts,  its  worfe  then  twas  before. 

He  enters  parlye,  and  fpeakes  ore  the  wall, 

But  fhe  (as  fencelefTe)  anfwers  not  at  all. 

He  founds  rerteat,  and  to  his  campe  doth  creepe, 

Which  makes  her  wake  out  of  her  pleafant  fleepe. 

Then  in  a  fweete  entwining  doe  they  clippe, 

And  cull  and  kiffe,  and  from  the  rofie  lippe 

Of  Hymens  chad  embraces  doe  they  taft, 

The  fweets  aboue,  when  lower  ioyes  be  pafL 

Heere  is  the  fpell  of  fweet-charmd  Morpkus 

Diffolu'd  to  nothing,  by  charmes  amorous. 

For  though  men  (after  Labour)  reft  doefeeke, 

Loues  eyes  be  openftill,  and  cannot  Jleepe. 

Judge  what  Admetus  thought  when  he  did  heare, 

Of  this  report,  foone  whifpered  in  his  eare, 

How  he  did  looke  ?  how  ftrange  perplext  he  was, 

Thus  to  bee  cheated  of  his  loucly  laffe  ? 

I'ipe 


The  Wooer.  93 

Pipe  could  he  not,  his  cheeks  were  growne  fo  thinne, 
His  pipe-bagge  torne,  no  wind  it  could  keepe  in, 
His  cloue-ear'd  curre  lay  hanging  downe  his  head, 
And  for  foure  dayes,  would  taft  no  kind  of  bread. 
His  Flockes  did  pine  (all  went  contrary  way) 
Heere  lay  Admetus,  there  his  Sheep-crooke  lay, 
All  wea-begane,  thus  liu'd  the  Shepheard  long, 
Till  on  a  day  infpired  with  a  fong, 
(For  fo  it  feem'd)  to  others  more  then  me, 
Which  thus  he  fung  to  maids  inconftancy. 


Foolifh  I,  why  fhould  I  grieue, 
To  fuftaine  what  others  feele  ? 
What  fuppofe,  fraile  women  leaue, 
Thofe  they  lou'd,  fhould  I  conceale 

Comforts  reft, 

From  my  breft. 
For  a  fickle,  brittle  woman, 

Noe,  Noe,  Noe, 

Let  her  goe, 
Such  as  thefe  be  true  to  no  man. 

Long  retired  haft  thou  beene, 
Sighing  on  thefe  barren  rocks, 
Nor  by  fheepe  nor  fhepheard  feene, 
Now  returne  vnto  thy  flockes, 

Shame  away, 

Doe  not  ftay, 

With 


94  The  Wooer. 

With  thefe  mouing-louing  woman, 

They  remoue 

From  their  loue : 
Such  as  thefe  doe  oft  vndoe  men. 

Tender-tinder  of  Affection, 

If  I  harbour  thee  againe, 

I  will  doe  it  by  direction, 

Of  fome  graue  experienc't  fwaine. 

Nere  will  I, 

Loue  by  th'  eye, 
But  where  iudgement  firft  hath  tride, 

If  I  Hue, 

Ere  to  loue, 
It  is  fhe,  (hall  be  my  bride. 

When  this  retired  Swaine  had  end'd  his  fong, 
He  feem'd  as  one  that  had  forgot  his  wrong, 
His  Teres  were  dried  vp,  his  willow  wreath, 
Throwne  quite  away,  and  he  began  to  breath, 
More  cheerefull  and  more  blith  then  ere  he  was, 
Forgetting  th'  Name  and  Nature  of  his  lafle, 
So  as  no  Swaine  on  all  the  plaine  could  be, 
For  any  May-game  readier  then  he  : 
Now  would  he  tune  his  pipe  vnto  his  Eare, 
And  play  fo  fweet,  as  ioyed  the  flocks  to  heare, 
Yea  I  haue  heard,  (Nor  thinke  I  Fame  did  lye) 
So  skilfull  was  this  lad  in  Minftrelfie, 
That  when  he  plaid  (one  ftroke)  which  oft  he  would, 
No  Laffe  that  heard  him  could  her  water  hold. 

And 


The  Wooer.  95 

And  now  becaufe  I  doe  remember't  well, 
He  tell  a  tale  which  I  haue  heard  him  tell, 
On  winter-nights  full  oft  vnto  my  Sire, 
While  I  fat  rofting  of  a  Crab  by  th'  fire. 


A  Man  there  was  wh  had  Hud  a  merry  life, 
Till  in  the  end,  he  tooke  him  to  a  wife, 
One  that  no  image  was  (forjhe  could fpeake) 
And  now  and  then  her  hujbands  coftrell  break. 
So  fierce  Jhe  was  and  furious,  as  in  fome 
She  was  an  arrant  Deuill  of  her  tongue. 
This  droue  the  poore  man  to  a  dif content. 
And  oft  and  many  times  did  he  repent 
That  ere  lie  changed  his  former  quiet  Jlate, 
But  las  repmtance,  then  did  come  too  late. 
No  cure  he  finds  to  heale  this  maladie, 
But  makes  a  verttie  of  necejjity. 
The  common  cure  for  care  to  euery  man, 
A  potte  of  nappy  Ale  :  where  he  began 
To  fortifie  his  braine  'gainft  all  Jhould  come, 
'Mongft  which  the  clamor  of  his  wiues  loud  tongue. 
This  habit  graffed  in  him  grew  fo  ftrong, 
"  That  when  hee  was  from  Ale,  an  hourefeem'd  longr 
So  well  he  likd  thprofejfion :  on  a  Time, 
Hauingjlaid  long  at  pot,  (for  rule  nor  line 
Limits  no  drunkard)  euen  from  Morne  to  Night > 
He  hafted  home  apace,  by  the  moone-light : 
Where  as  he  went,  what  pJiantaftes  were  bred, 
I  doe  not  know,  in  his  dijlempered  Juad. 

But 


g6  The  Wooer. 

But  ajlrange  Ghojl  appear  d  (and  fore' d  him  flay) 
With  which  perplext,  he  thus  began  to  fay. 
Good  Spirit,  if  thou  be,  I  need  no  cJtarme, 
For  well  I  know,  thou  wilt  not  doe  me  harme, 
And  if  the  Deuill ;  fure,  me  thoufJiouldft  not  hurt, 
I  wed'd  thyfifler,  and  am  plagued  for 't. 
The  fpirit  well-approuing  what  he  f aid, 
Diffolu'd  to  ayre,  and  quickly  vanijhed. 

For  Guide  faith,  fome  fpirits  walke  on  earth, 
That  cheered  are,  and  much  delight  with  mirth, 
Such  doe  admire  conceits  and  pregnant  braynes  ; 
Others  there  are,  which  Melancholy  chaines, 
And  keepes  in  low  Subie<5tion,  thefe  are  they 
Affect  the  balefull  night,  frequent  that  way 
That  is  obfcure,  filent  and  intricate, 
Darke  charnell-houfes,  where  they  keep  their  chat, 
Of  Tortures,  Tragicke  ends  and  Funeralls, 
Which  they  folemnize  for  their  Fefliualls. 
Thus  would  Admettis  pafle  the  winter-night, 
Wherein  he  gaue  fuch  neighbours  great  delight, 
As  came  to  heare  him  :  and  fuch  ftore  he  had, 
Of  quaint  conceits,  as  there  was  not  a  ladde, 
That  of  difcourfe  had  more  variety, 
Or  could  expreffe  his  mind  more  gracefully. 
But  lacke  for  forrow,  how  hee's  fallen  away, 
That  was  fo  trim  a  youth  but  tother  day, 
A  meere  Anatomy,  but  skin  and  bone, 
One  that  it  pitties  me  to  looke  vpon. 
What  fhould  the  caufe  be,  fure  I  cannot  fay, 
But  his  pale  face,  fome  fickneffe  doth  bewray  ? 

"For 


The  Wooer.  97 

"  For  as  our  thoughts  are  legible  in  our  eye, 
"  So  doth  our  face  our  bodies  griefe  defcry. 

Yet  I  perchance,  by  th'  Sonnet  which  hee  made, 

May  find  the  caufe  for  which  he  is  difmaide 

How  ere  it  fall,  it  fhall  be  fung  by  me, 

Now  when  I  want  Admetus  company. 

Admetus  Sonnet. 

NEighbour  Swaines  and  Swainelins  heare  me, 
"Its  Admetus  bids  you  heare 
Leaue  your  Pajlures,  and  come  neere  mee, 
"  Come  away  you  need  not  fear e, 
By  my  foule,  as  I  affect  you, 
I  haue  nought  that  can  infect  you. 
O  then  come, 
Heare  a  tongue, 
That  in  difcord  keepes  apart, 
With  a  Woe-fur  charged  heart. 

Nere  was  Swaine  on  plaine  more  loued, 
Or  could  doe  more  feats  then  I, 
Yet  one  griefe  hath  now  remoued, 
All  my  whilome  iollity. 

All  my  Laies  be  quite  forgotten, 
Sheepe-hooke  broken,  pipe-bagge  rotten, 
O  then  come, 
Heare  a  tongue, 

That  with  flattering  fpeech  doth  call, 
To  take  long  farewell  of  all. 

H  /  am 


98  The  Wooer. 

I  am  not  as  once  I  was, 
When  Eliza firjl  didfuite  me, 
Nor  when  that  fame  red-hair 'd  lajfe. 
Faire  Bellina  did  inuite  me, 

To  a  Garden  there  to  play, 

Cull,  kiffe,  clip,  and  toy  all  day, 
O  tJten  come, 
Heare  a  tongue, 

That  in  ivooing  termes  was  flowing, 

But  through  Wo  has  fpoifd  his  woing. 

All  I  can  or  will  dejire ye 
When  my  breath  of  life  is  f pent, 
That  in  loue  you  would  interre  me, 
(For  it  will  my  foule  content,) 

Neare  vnto  my  Fathers  hearfe. 

And  bejlowfome  comely  verfe 
On  my  Tombe, 
Then  my  tongue 

Shall  throb  out  this  laft  adeu, 

Nere  were  truer  fwaines  then  you. 

A  verfe  Admetus  ?  I  will  be  the  fwaine, 
Though  moft  vnfit,  to  vndertake  that  paine, 
Which  in  faire  letters  fhall  engrauen  be, 
Ouer  thy  hearfe  t'expreffe  thy  memory, 
And  thus  it  is :  Heere  is  a  SJiepJteard  layd, 
Who  lou'd,  was  lou'd,yet  liu'dand  died  a  Maid. 
Yet  gain/I  his  will :  pray  then  goodfpirits  tell, 
WJiether  he  mujl  or  no  lead  Apes  in  Hell. 

Hoiv 


99 

How  Fancie  is  a  Phrenfie. 
An  Epigram. 

ANd  thou*  Euenus  whofe  renowm's  difperft, 
About  thofe  fertile  coafts  which  border  thee, 
Whofe  well-tun'd  Current  runs  fo  pretily, 
That  Fame  her  felfe,  nor  fhall  it  be  reuerft, 
Ha's  thus  ena6led  :  that  thy  liquid  breft 
Should  make  my  confort  vp,  for  there  appeares 
Euen  in  thine  eyes,  continuing  ftreames  of  teares. 

Still  may  thy  Sliding-foord,  and  fpacious  courfe, 
Warn  thofe  adioyning  vales  encircle  thee, 
Which  by  thy  meanes  yeeld  crops  fo  fruitfully, 
That  thy  pure  fand  may  be  of  Ganges  force, 
Golds  pure  Elixir :  for  thou  haft  remorfe, 
And  pitties  my  hard  hap  to  loue  a  fwaine, 
That  hates  my  loue,  and  makes  my  fute  in  vaine. 

Oft  by  thy  Sliding  Channell  haue  I  flood, 
Bathing  my  felfe  in  teares,  teares  were  the  drinke, 
That  quench't  my  thirft,  &  whe  thou  feem'd  to  fink, 
Into  fome  hollow  cauerne,  ftreight  my  blood, 
"  (That  little  bloud  I  had)  made  thy  courfe  good 

*  Jn  Euenum  Flumen  lubrico  pregredicus  curfu, 

H2  And 


ioo  Fanfie  is  a  Phrenfie. 

And  fmke  into  the  Cefternes  of  mine  eyes, 

Filling  thy  ftreams  with  teares,  thy  banks  with  cries. 

Streight  fell  I  downe  vpon  thy  floury  more, 

As  if  the  fhore  had  beene  my  miftris  breft, 

Where  I  a  while  conceau'd  that  fweetned  reft, 

As  it  expell'd  the  care  I  felt  before, 

Seeming  to  make  my  comforts  fo  much  more, 

Becaufe  fo  long  delay'd  ;  but  laffe  the  while, 

My  thoughts  chekt  me,  I  chekt  my  thoghts  of  guile. 

For  well  I  found,  this  was  a  goulden  dreame, 
Yet  but  a  Dreame,  that  feem'd  to  reprefent, 
Vnto  mine  eyes,  that  facred  Continent, 
Which  fhadowes  my  content  :  but  this  has  beene, 
Euer  moft  true,  Dreames  are  not  as  they  feeme. 
And  if  they  were,  I'me  fure  they  mift  in  this, 
Taking  thy  Banke  for  where  my  miftres  is. 

Oft  did  I  cull,  and  clip,  and  kifle,  and  doe, 
God  wot,  full  madly,  for  repofing  there, 
I  call'd  the  grafle,  the  treffes  of  her  haire  : 
And  bound  it  vp,  yet  well  I  knew  not  how, 
Making  a  bracelet  on't,  which  I  would  fhow 
To  euery  Sheepheard,  fo  diftracTd  was  I, 
And  euery  rural!  Syluane  that  paft  by. 

All  this  thou  faw,  and  thou  did  pitty  me, 

"  For  thy  diftreaming  teares  explan'd  no  lefle, 

Surcharged  brefts  muft  needs  their  greefes  expreffe, 

Which 


Fanjle  is  a  Phrenjie.  101 

Which  once  expreft  ;  fuppreffed  feeme  to  be  : 
"  Teares  unto  griefe,  yeeld  foueraignft  remedy. 
For  Teares  doe  filence  greefe,  but  where  appeares 
Extent  of  griefe,  their  griefs  doe  fitence  teares. 

And  fuch  were  mine  :  fometimes  I  could  not  weep, 

But  like  one  fence-lefle,  laughed  at  my  diftreffe, 

Mixing  a  ftraine  of  Mirth  with  heauineffe, 

Or  as  one  caften  in  a  deadly  fleepe, 

That  neither  fence  nor  faculty  can  keepe, 

Euen  fuch  was  I :  but  ftreight  I  chang'd  my  fong, 

Making  my  ioyes  fhort,  but  my  forrowes  long. 

Her  fancie  was  the  phrenfie  that  furprifd 
My  idle  brain  with  thefe  diftra<5ted  paflions, 
Ten  thoufand  fhapes  I  had,  ten  thoufand  fafhions, 
Defpifmg,  louing,  loue  where  I  defpifd'e, 
Prifmg  her  mod,  where  I  was  loweft  prif 'de. 
Thus  my  affe<5lions  to  diffractions  turn'd, 
Made  me  mourne  more  then  louer  euer  morn'd. 

And  Reafon  too  :  for  fome  I  had,  my  Friends, 

(At  lead  they  feem'd  fo)  which  contemnd  my  griefe 

Nor  fought  to  yeeld  my  filly  heart  releefe, 

With  one  poore  comfort,  but  as  diuers  ends, 

Occafion  ftrange  effects  ;  fo  Loue  depends 

(If  I  may  call  inconftant  Friend/hip  Loue,) 

On  Fortune  heere  below,  not  truth  aboue. 

Let  mee  vnrippe  my  forrowes,  that  my  breft 

H  3  May 


IO2  Fanjle  is  a  Phrenjie. 

May  void  fuch  Scarabees,  that  vfe  to  fit 

Vpon  each  vlcer  :  whofe  contagious  witte, 

Is  worfe  then  Hellebore,  for  they  infeft 

The  pureft  Manfion,  louing  euer  left 

Where  they  fhow  moft  Affection,  for  their  ftraine, 

Is  not  for  loue  but  profit,  and  their  gaine. 

Record  tJiem  (fweet  Euenus)  for  they  hate, 
Thy  facred  ftreams  :  wafh  not  their  foyled  fin 
With  thy  pure  liquor :  for  the  ALthiops  skin, 
Will  be  blacke  ftill :  the  doome  of  enuious  fate, 
(Like  Mammons  heires)  fits  skouling  ore  their  ftate  : 
Their  Summer-Swall(nvs  flourijh,  they  make  one, 
But  if  thy  ftate  be  blafted,  they  are  gone. 

And  thou  (Bleft  Hymen)  that  confirmes  the  loue, 

Of  Mortall  foules,  with  thy  diuineft  rites, 

Knows  whom  I  mean  by,  for  they  quench  thy  lights 

By  their  abufe  :  but  there's  a  power  aboue, 

Will  dam  their  gainefull  tradings,  and  remoue, 

Their  Bartring  from  the  earth,  to  th' depth  of  hell, 

That  teach  in  Marriage  how  to  buy  and  fell. 

Yet  deere  Euenus,  I  haue  more  to  fpeake, 
For  I  would  haue  thee  carry  me  commends, 
To  fuch  as  be  my  true  approoued  friends, 
(For  fame  I  haue  will  neittur  bow  nor  breake) 
Mid'ft  my  afflictions  :  but  by  all  meanes  feeke 
To  re-infufe  life  in  me :  pray  the  tell 
When  by  their  houfe  thou  goeft,  that  I  am  well. 

And 


Fanjle  is  a  Pkrenjie.  1 03 

And  if  they  aske  thee  how  I  brook  this  place 

Where  I'me  retired  to :  fay,  as  louers  vfe, 

Pent  from  their  loues,  they  cannot  will,  nor  chufe, 

But  Hue  an  Hermits  life,  and  in  difgrace 

Of  beauty  and  her  name,  hath  made  his  face 

Like  times  annatomie  (poore  Sceleton) 

An  obiecl;  fit  for  Ruth  to  looke  vpon. 

Tell  them  the  bookes  I  reade,  be  fuch  as  treate, 

Of  Amadis  de  Gaul,  and  Pelmerin, 

Furious  Orlando,  and  Gerilion, 

Where  I  obferue  each  fafhion  and  each  feate, 

Of  amorous  humors,  which  in  my  conceipt, 

Seeme  to  to  rare,  That  they  that  were  fo  ftrong, 

Should  befo  mad,  and  I  be  tamefo  long, 

But  prefently  I  recollect  my  fenfe, 

And  findes  a  reafon :  queftionles  I'me  mad 

But  who  cares  for't,  or  markes  it  ?  if  I  had 

Land  (like  an  elder  brother)  Eminence 

Of  fome  Court-Comet,  would  haue  prefidence, 

Ouer  my  braine-pan  :  and  would  beg  my  wit, 

Though  neither  he  nor  I  could  mannage  it 

So  though  I  loofe  my  wits  I  cannot  loofe 

My  lands,  they  reft  fecure  ;  where  ?  can  you  tell  ? 

Where  ?  yes,  where  not  ?  wil't  pleafe  thee  buy,  Tie  fel : 

What  ?  wit  ?  I  haue  none ;  counfell?  neither:  houfe  ? 

The  arch  of  Heauen's  my  couer ;  pray  excufe 

My  Error,  I  am  pore  ;  I'haue  naught  to  fell 

H4  But 


IO4  Fanjie  is  a  Phrenjie. 

But  teares  and  thofe  I  cannot  part  with  well 

But  (pray  thee)  fpare  thy  fpeech  to  fuch  as  be, 
And  euer  were  profeffed  foes  to  loue, 
And  Bayne  to  marriage,  for  by  them  I  proue 
The  depth  of  difcontent :  they  loue  not  me, 
Nor  doe  I  care  for't  :  once  I  hope  to  fee, 
Enuie  without  a  fling,  which  ftill  extends 
Her  hatefull  power  vnto  depraued  ends. 

Yet  if  thou  chance  to  flide  by  Enuies  place, 
(Which  by  this  true  difcription  thou  fhalt  know) 
Her  Jlruftures  ruirfd  are,  and  there  doth  grow, 
A  groue  of  fatall  Elmes,  wherein  a  maze, 
Or  labyrinth  is  fram'd:  heere  Enuies  race, 
Had  their  beginning,  For  there's  yet  to  fee, 
The  very  throne  where  Enuy  vf'd  to  bee. 

Tell  that  (proud  minion)  that  ambitious  dame, 
Whofe  meagre  look  and  broad  disjheaueld  lock, 
Whofe  dangling  nofe,Jliafit  like  an  apricock, 
Makes  her  defert-leffe  proud,  that  I  doe  blame 
Her  vniuft  dealing,  though  I  fcorne  to  name, 
Th'uniuftneffe  of  it :  yet  this  vowe  i'le  make, 
I'le  nere  truft  long-nos'd  Female  for  her  fake. 

*  Et  tu  quce  minio  nardoque  fulges,    extendens  occulos   alt  i  us 

proue&os,  defijie  ceptis. 

Nqfutam  dicam  et  Jane  dicerem, 
Si  iuxta  nafum  polleat  ingenium. 

Could 


Fanjie  is  a  Phrenjie.  105 

Could  (he  (hard  hearted  fhe)  for  priuate  gaine, 

(Such  lucring  Mammonifts  the  heauens  difpleafe,) 

Sell  both  the  hue  and  liking  of  her  Niece, 

And  where  loue  fhewd  her  moft,  there  to  reftraine, 

Affection  within  bounds  ?  fweet  ftreames  complaine, 

To  luno  on't,  I  know  fhee'l  pitty  me 

And  grant  my  fuite — Thatjhe  may  barrain  be. 

We  haue  too  manie  of  that  odious  brood, 
We  neede  no  more  :  it  is  a  fruitleffe  fruit, 
That  fhames  the  Parents : — luno  heare  my  fuit, 
For  it  will  doe  both  heauen  and  earth  much  good, 
And  be  a  caueat  vnto  woman-hood  ; 
"  Rather  in  Marriage  not  to  deale  at  all, 
Then  tofet  Marriage  f acred  rites  atfale. 

Farewell  (Euenus)  I  haue  writ  my  minde, 

Which  I  would  haue  thy  ftreamelings  to  conuey 

To  Enuies  houfe,  by  that  frequented  way, 

Which  as  a  Port  or  Hauen  is  ajfigrid 

To  euery  paffenger :  Sweet  breathing  winde 

Breath  on  thy  failes,  that  when  thou  doeft  complain, 

Remembring  me,  thy  teare-fwolne  eies  may  raine, 

And  fru6lefie  the  earth  :  That  time  mayjhowe, 

This  did  Euenus  for  her  Poet  doe. 


io6 


Certaine    Sele6l    Epigrams,   made 

good  by  obferuance,  experience,  and 

inftance :  with  an  introduction  to  Time, 

including fundry  conceipted  paflages, 

no  leffe  pleafant  then 

prefent 


Its  a  mad  world  my  Mafters. 

OAge  what  art  thou  made  of?  fure  thou  art, 
Compof 'd  of  other  mettall  then  thou  wert, 
Once  was  thy  glory  by  thy  vertues  showen, 
But  now  alas  thy  vertues  are  vnknowen.  (day 

For  who  fhould  fhow  worth  but  great  men  ?  yet  each 
Shews  by  experience,  None  more  ill  then  they, 
Where  Honour  on  a  foote-cloth's  wont  to  paffe, 
Like  Appians  Land-Lord  on  his  trapped  Affe. 
'Lafle  I  haue  feen  what  I  haue  grieu'd  to  fee, 
Honour  with  vertue  nere  keepe  companie. 
But  if  they  doe  (asfome  obferuance  make} 
It's  not  for  Confcience,  but  for  fafhion  fake. 

O 


Epigrams.  107 

O  then  how  vaine  is  time,  to  fhowre  down  good, 
On  fuch  as  are  but  great,  only  by  blood  ; 
Not  true  demerits  which  makes  me  contemne, 
The  idle  paflions  of  phantafticke  men, 
Which  think't  fufficient  to  be  great  in  ftate, 
Without  leaft  vertue  fit  to  imitate  : 
This  makes  me  hence  conclude :  vice  puts  on  honour : 
"  For  vertue,  there  is  none  will  looke  vpon  her. 


/  in  my  time  hauefeene  an  vpftart  Lord, 
Raifed  to  fudden  honour  like  a  Gourd, 
Whom  in  as  f  mall  time  I  may  chance  to  fee, 
As  Jonah's  gourd,  fo  withered  he  may  be, 
And  what's  the  caufe  ?  becaufe  its  not  demerit 
Or  true  defcent,  by  which  he  doth  inherit, 
Such  new  ftolne  honors  :  for  then  might  his  name 
Freely  fuch  eftimation  feeme  to  claime  : 
But  an  infmuating  humour  drawen, 
"  From  that  fame  force  of  vice,  that  lothfome  fpawne 
Of  all  diftempered  paflions,  which  can  be 
Mark't  with  no  better  name  then  flatterie. 
And  is  this  way  to  purchafe  honour  trewly  ? 
Can  fuch  a  man  be  fayd  to  merit  dewly  ? 
When  hows'ere  we  admire  him  for  his  feate. 
"  It  was  not  worth,  but  bafeneffe  made  him  great. 
O  Time,  how  ftrangely  art  thou  varied, 
From  what  thou  once  appear'd  ;  how  art  thou  led 
By  euery  fafhion-monger  that  doth  ftand 
More  on  the  egge-fying  of  his  band 

His 


1 08  Epigrams. 

His  peak't  munchattoes,  his  Venetian  hofe, 

His  Buskin-pace,  how  Gorgon-like  he  goes, 

His  crifpled  haire,  his  fixing  of  his  eye, 

His  cerufs-cheeke,  and  fuch  effemnacie  : 

"  Then  on  tru-man-like  Vertues  :  for  its  common, 

Women  are  liker  men,  men  liker  women  ; 

Sith  I  no  other  difference  can  make, 

'Twixt  man  and  woman  faue  the  outward  fhape 

Their  mind's  all  one  :  nor  doth  their  fhape  appeare 

Much  different :  fince  women  th'breeches  weare : 

Which  fafhion  now  to  th'Countrey  makes  refort, 

In  imitation  of  their  weare  at  Court  ; 

Where  it  is  fayd  to  fhun  the  meanes  of  fmnen, 

Came  that  vfe  vp  to  weare  tJteir  breekes  of  linnen  ; 

And  can  we  fee  this  and  not  pittie  it 

When  men  that  haue  more  complement  then  wit, 

Shine  in  the  eye  of  popular  refpe<5l, 

And  others  of  more  worth  droope  in  negle£l  ? 

We  cannot :  yet  muft  we  admire  them  ftill, 

(That  worthleffe  are)  though't  be  againft  our  will, 

What  remedy  ?  lie  tell  thee,  though  thou  dare  not, 

But  congy  when  thou  meets  them  :  laugh  &  fpare  not 

So't  be  in  priuate,  burft  thy  fides  with  laughter, 

And  whileft  th'rt  laughing,  He  come  lafhing  after  : 

Mean  time  (with  filence)  I  would  haue  thee  hear  me, 

That  haue  compos'd  thefe  Epigrams  to  cheere  thee. 

Take  them  how  ere  they  be  :  if  fowre  in  tafte, 
Reforme  thy  errors  which  are  former  paft  : 
If  fweet,  let  th'relifh  of  my  poems  moue 
That  loue  in  thee,  to  thanke  me  for  my  loue  : 

To 


109 


To  the  Precijlan. 

FOr  the  Precifian  that  dares  hardly  looke, 
(Becaufe  th'art  pure  forfooth)  on  any  booke 
Saue  Homilies,  and  fuch  as  tend  to  th'good 
Of  thee,  and  of  thy  zealous  brother-hood  : 
Know  my  Time-noting  lines  ayme  not  at  thee, 
For  thou  art  too  too  curious  for  mee. 
I  will  not  taxe  that  man  that's  wont  to  flay 
"  His  Cat  for  killing  mife  on  th'Sabboth  day  : 
No  ;  know  my  refolution  it  is  thus, 
I'de  rather  be  thy  foe  then  be  thy  pus  : 
And  more  fhould  I  gaine  by 't :  for  I  fee, 
The  daily  fruits  of  thy  fraternity. 
Yea,  I  perceiue  why  thou  my  booke  fliould  (hun, 
"Becaufe  there's  many  faultes  th'art  guiltie  on  : 
Therefore  with-drawe  by  me  thou  art  not  call'd, 
Yet  do  not  winch  (good  iade)  when  thou  art  gall'd, 
I  to  the  better  fort  my  lines  difplay, 
I  pray  thee  then  keep  thou  thy  felfe  away. 


The 


no 


The  Church-Knight. 

A  Church-man  was  there  on  a  time  I  reade, 
Of  great  eftate  his  father  being  dead, 
Which  got,  his  Syrpe-cloth  he  difcarded  quite, 
Refoluing  fully  now  to  be  a  Knight : 
Vp  to  the  Court  he  goes  with  fpeede  he  can, 
Where  he  encountred  a  North-britaine  man, 
With  whom  difcourfmg  in  his  Euening  walke, 
He  fpoke  of  Knights  'mongft  other  idle  talke, 
How  th' title  it  was  worthie,  and  that  he, 
Could  well  endure  entitled  fo  to  be ; 
For  I  do  reade  (quoth  he)  of  fuch  as  thefe 
Within  the  Ecclefiafticke  hiftories  : 
What  fame  and  honour  they  obtain'd  by  warre, 
Which  fir  (belieue  me  made  me  come  thus  farre, 
That  I  (if  meanes  or  mony  could  obtaine  it) 
Might  in  refpecl:  to  my  profeflion  gaine  it. 
The  Brittanne  his  profeflion  did  require  : 
A  Curate  once,  quoth  he,  of  Brecknocke-ftiire, 
Helde,  I  may  fay  to  you,  a  learned  man  ; 
But  fince  my  fathers  death  turn'd  gentleman. 
I  ioy  me  in  th'occafion  WBrittan  fayd, 
(Doubt  not  fir  Prieft)  you  fhall  a  Knight  be  made  ; 
And  you  deferue't :  for  though  Knights  common  are 
"  Holy  church-knights,  fuch  as  you  be,  feeme  rare, 
To  Long-lane  goes  the  Curate  to  prouide, 
An  ancient  fuite,  and  other  things  befide  ; 

As 


Epigrams.  1 1 1 

As  skarfe  and  rofes  all  of  different  colour,  ler, 

Which  bought,  at  White-friers  ftaires  he  takes  a  Scul- 

Prepar'd  with  refolution  all  the  fooner, 

To  gaine  this  priuiledge  and  Knightly  honour ; 

Which  hauing  got  by  long  petitioning  fuite, 

And  pai'd  vnto  the  Brittain  his  firft  fruit,  (grieue  him 

To's  Neighbors  ftreight  he  hies,  where  they  much 

"  For,  fwearing  he's  a  knight,  they'le  not  belieue  him 

Nor  would  they  (fuch  incredulous  men  were  thefe) 

Till  he  had  fhowen  difcharge  for  all  his  fees. 


An  Rpigramme  alluding  to  the 

fecond  Satyre  of  Ariq/lo,  where  he 

tateth  the  Clergies  pride  and 

Ambition. 

THe  Church-mens  doctrine  is  humility,        (they, 
Yet  but  obferue  them,  who  more  proude  then 
Whofe  Damaske  caffockes  (hew  their  vanitie. 
How  fliould  we  then  beleeue  them  what  they  fay, 
"  Since  what  they  taxe  vs  in,  themfelues  bewray  : 
Its  too  too  true  :  fo  that  oft-times  the  Temple, 
(Though  th'  houfe  of  God,  giues  lay-men  word  ex- 

(ample. 

Crucem 


1 1 2  Epigrams. 

Crucem  &  coniugem  vno  petimus  fato, 
Hanging  and  marrying  goe  by  deftinie. 

It  is  an  axiome  in  Philofophie, 
"  Hanging  and  marrying  goe  by  deftinie  ; 
Both  reference  haue  vnto  the  doome  of  fate, 
Both  doe  our  birth  and  nature  calculate  : 
Nor  can  we  fay  thefe  two  be  different  far, 
Sith  both  haue  influence  from  one  ominous  ftar, 
Which  bodes  our  happineffe  or  our  mifchance 
According  to  the  ftarres  predominance  ; 
This  made  Arminus  Carthage-Ruler  fay 
"  That  with  a  wife  he  could  not  well  away : 
For  being  askt  why  he  with  others  fhare  not, 
Good  fortune  in  good  wiues  (quoth  he)  I  dare  not, 
For  if  I  chance  to  light  on  one  that's  wife, 
"  She  will  be  wilfull,  felfe-lov'd,  or  precife, 
"If  wealthy,  wanton,  vowing  to  her  friend, 
"  I  fhall  be  Cocold  ere  a  fortnight  end  : 
"  If  poore  then  peeuifh,  of  condition  fhrewde  : 
"  If  bewtifull  me  will  be  monftrous  proude ; 
"  And  if  deformed,  lothfome  is  me  then, 
"And  th'leaft  of  thefe  would  kill  a  thoufand  men. 

But  now  fuppofe,  I  could  no  longer  tarrie, 
But  that  I  might  doe  either  worfe  or  marrie, 
And  that  I  fought  a  wife  to  fit  my  turne, 
(For  better  tis  to  marrie  then  to  burne)  (riage) 

Though  many  (they  may  thank  their  own  good  car- 
Are  all  afire  the  firft  day  of  their  marriage : 

Why 


Epigrams.  113 

Why  then  as  my  pofition  was  at  firft, 
This  marriage-day  is  either  beft  or  worft 
I  ere  was  maifter  of:  for  if  my  wife 
Be  loyall  as  fhe  ought,  then  is  my  life 
Made  double  bleft  in  her,  where  I  may  fay, 
"  Each  day  lookes  cheerefull  like  a  mariage-day, 
But  if  felfe-will'd  vntamed,  head-ftrong,  froward, 
Immodeft,  indifcreete,  peeuifh,  vntoward : 
Why  then  through  th'fury  of  her  in-bred  malice, 
In  climing  to  her  bed,  I  clime  to  th'  gallowes. 
Where  euery  word  that  doth  proceed  from  her 
Strangles  me  like  an  Executioner ; 
Her  humour  is  my  neck-verfe,  which  to  fort 
I  cannot,  if  I  fhould  be  hanged  for't, 
Her  tongue's  my  torture,  and  her  frisking  taile, 
Flies  vp  and  downe  like  to  a  wind  mills  faile, 
Her  hands  like  Fullers  wheels,  one  vp,  one  downe, 
Which  ftill  lie  mailing  on  my  coftrell  crowne  : 
Which  ere  I  would  endure  to  take  her  banging, 
I  would  goe  round  to  worke  and  take  a  hanging  : 
Since  therefore  Fate  hath  doomed  this  to  t/ieet 
Hanging  or  wiuing patient  thou  muft  be. 


An 


An  Epigramme  called  the 
Cambrian  Alchymift. 

THe  Planet-ftroken  Albumazar, 
Shaues  the  Mufes  like  a  razor  ; 
Fayry-like  we  therefore  (him  them, 
Caufe  there  is  no  haire  vpon  them, 
Mufes  loofe  their  ornament, 
Cambria  has  their  excrement. 

Excrement  ?  it's  true  indeede, 
Haire  growes  from  th'exceffe  of  feede, 
Which  by  inftance  fmall  doth  varie 
From  th'peere-lefle  Seminarie ; 
Which  to  make  her  worth  allow'd, 
Shrowdes  her  proie6l  in  a  clowde. 

In  a  Clowde  ?  its  rather  fhowne, 
like  the  man  that's  in  the  Moone, 
Where  our  lies  Ardelio, 
Defcants  of  Tom  Trinkillo ; 


Form'd 


Epigrams.  115 

Form'd  like  one  that's  all  in  mift, 
Like  a  fecond  Akhymift. 

Strange  the  ProiecT:  was  I  wifh 
Of  this  Metamorphofis  ; 
Nought  was  (if  I  vnderftood) 
Good,  but  that  it  was  deem'd  good 
By  the  great :  6  worthy  feate, 
To  be  worthlefle  deemed  great 


Vpon  diuine  Rofcius. 

TWo  famous  Rofcids  chanc't  I  to  efpie, 
Adding  a  Metamorphofis,  while  I 
Sleepe  vnder  th'couert  of  a  fhady  wood, 
Where  great  Archyas  for  the  vmpire  Hood, 
Who  did  their  feuerall  actions  thus  define, 
"  Art-full  the  one,  the  other  moft  diuine. 


I  2  Vpon 


1 1 6  Epigrams. 


Vpon  Rofcius  Hackney,  in  a  Dialogue 
betwixt  Expedition,  &  Endimion. 

(Jleeps, 
Exped.  T  ~\  T  Hy-Jio,  Endimion ;  how  ttiDormoufe 

V  V  A  wakeforjhame,  open  thy  wink  a-peeps! 
Endim.   What  Jlur  you  make,  I  come  with  f peed  I  can 

(and  too  much  f  peed)  for  I  Jiaue  tyr'd  my  man; 
Exped.   Who,  Dulman  ? 
Endim.   Yes. 
Exped.  /  tliought  the  lade  would Jhame  vs, 

And  play  vs  one  horfe-tricke  for  Ignoramus. 


Vpon  TAR  BON  the  Countrey 
Gentleman. 

TArbon  they  fay  is  mellancholly  growne, 
Becaufe  his  wife  takes  phificke  in  the  towne  : 
Why,  that's  no  caufe  ;  who  would  not  hazard  faire 
To  leaue  both  land  and  name  vnto  his  heire  ? 
Yea,  but  he  doubts,  (fo  iealous  is  the  man) 
That  th'phyficke  workes  not  but  Phyfitian. 
Which  if  he  finde,  he  fweares  he  meanes  to  call, 
The  child  not  Tarbon  but  young  Vrinall. 

O 


Epigrammes.  1 1 7 

O  monftrous,  by  this  thou'ft  truly  fhowe, 
Thy  wife  a  punke,  thou  needs  not  call  her  fo  : 
VVhich  with  thy  fowre  eyes  Talbon  if  thou  finde, 
He  neuer  truft  face,  confcience,  nor  kinde. 


An  Epigram  called  the  Court- 
Attourney. 

WHo's  yon,  young  Stephana  ?  why  fure  you  ieft, 
You  gallants  ride  with  4  coach-horfe  at  leaft ; 
Befides  there  is  euen  in  his  very  eye, 
A  kinde  of  Court-like  formall  maieftie  : 
Its  true ;  yet  it  is  he  :  for  you  muft  know, 
Young  Stephana  is  turn'd  a  Courtier  now 
Which  makes  him  complete,  and  whers'ere  he  goe, 
He  has  his  ducke,  or  its  not  worth  a  ftrawe : 
But  I  do  doubt,  nor  be  my  doubts  in  vaine, 
The  Courtier  muft  Atturney  turne  againe. 
And  then  he  muft  be  ftript  of  euery  ragge, 
And  fall  againe  vnto  his  buckram-bagge  : 
If  this  befall,  I  fhall  be  forry  for't, 
Sith  lohn  aftyles  gets  but  fmall  grace  at  Court. 

I  3  An 


n8 


An  Epigramme  called  the 
Winde-fall. 

Sir  Senfuall  (a  wanton  Prieft)  there  was 
Who  made  appointment  with  a  Countrie  laffe, 
That  'gainft  the  time  from  market  fhe'ft  returne, 
He  would  keepe  tutch  and  doe  her  a  good  turne. 
The  place  where  thefe  two  louely  mates  fhould  meet 
Was  a  vaft  forreft  vnfrequent'd  with  feete 
of  any  paffenger,  faue  fuch  as  were 
Keepers  of  th'wood,  'mongft  which  a  Forrefter, 
Vpon  occafion  chaunc't  to  come  that  way, 
And  heard  eue-dropper-like  what  they  did  fay, 
Their  place  of  meeting,  with  the  maides  confent 
Which  he  refolv'd  as  quickly  to  preuent. 
And  being  vnder  fhade  fecurely  fconft, 
Which  place  he  had  elected  for  the  nonft, 
He  ftaies  to  fee  th'returne  of  this  fame  Laffe, 
(which  as  me  wifh't)  did  quickly  come  to  paffe : 
For  Maids  that  know  not  what  tis  to  confent 
To  a  loft  Maiden-head,  nor  what  is  meant 
by  giuing  of  a  greene  gowne,  fooner  will 
Affent  to  ill,  becaufe  they  know  no  ill, 

Then 


Epigrams.  119 

Then  fuch  as  haue  of  a£liue  pleafures  (lore, 
For  well  were  they  experienfl  in't  before. 
Yea  fuch  will  neuer  deale  vnlefle  they  fmell, 
Some  hope  of  gaine,  or  like  the  trader  well. 
At  lafl  the  maide  hauing  her  market  made, 
(Perhaps  far  fooner  then  her  Parents  bade) 
With  clothes  tuckt  vp  returnes  with  fpeedy  pace, 
Downe  by  the  Forreft  to'th  appointed  place. 
Where'th  Priefl  Sirfenfuall  lay  all  this  while, 
That  he  the  Maid  might  of  her  gem  beguile. 
If  you  had  feene  what  meeting  there  was  then, 
Betwixt  thefe  two,  you  would  haue  vou'd  no  men 
Of  any  ranke  or  order  were  fo  good. 
As  Church-profeffors  vnto  woman-hood. 
So  humble  was  the  prelate,  as  to  pleafe. 
The  fhamefafl  maid,  he  oft  fell  on  his  knees. 
While  mumbling  pater  nofters  on  her  lips, 
Down  fell  his  breeches  from  his  naked  hips. 
And  all  this  while  poore  foule  fhe  flood  flock  flill, 
Not  thinking  (on  my  confcience)  good  or  ill. 
At  lafl  the  iolly  Priefl  (when  all  was  fhowne, 
That  he  could  fhow)  wil'd  th'maid  to  lay  her  down, 
Vpon  a  fhadie  banke,  which  with  all  forts, 
Of  flowres  was  checkerd  fit  for  Venus  fports. 
She  (though  fhe  were  refolu'd  no  ill  could  be 
By  lying  downe,  yet  in  her  modefly) 
Would  not  vnto  his  motion  fo  affent, 
Yet  let  him  blow  her  downe  fhe  was  content 
The  fhort-breath'd  Priefl  (for  he  was  wondrous  fat) 
And  fluff 'd  withall,  makes  me  no  bones  of  that, 

I  4  But 


1 20  Epigrammes. 

But  y£V?/tt.f-like  puf's  vp  his  cheeks  well  growne, 
And  he  no  fooner  blows  then  flie  was  downe. 
The  Forrefter  who  all  this  time  had  flood, 
Vnder  a  fhadie  couert  of  the  wood, 
Steps  in,  when'th  Prieft  his  fhriuing  fhould  begin, 
Saying  all  wind-falls  they  are  due  to  him. 
Manie  fuch  Priefts  auncient  records  doe  fhow, 
And  prefent  times  may  (how  as  many  now. 


Another  Epigram  called,  A  Cuckold 
with  a  witnejje. 

AWilie  wench  there  was  (as  I  haue  read) 
Who  vf'd  to  capricorne  her  husbands  head, 
Which  he  fufpecling,  lay  in  priuate  wait, 
To  catch  the  knaue,  and  keep  his  wife  more  ftrait 
But  all  in  vaine :  they  day  by  day  did  mate  it, 
Yet  could  his  foure  eies  neuer  take  them  at  it 
This  fubtile  wench  perceiuing  how  they  fhould 
At  laft  preuented  be,  doe  all  they  could  : 
For  now  Italian-like  her  husband  grew, 
Horne-mad  I  wifh,  and  kept  her  in  a  Mew. 
Inuent'd  a  trick,  which  to  accomplifh  better, 
Vnto  her  friend  fhe  clofely  fent  a  letter, 
And  thus  it  was ;  Friend  you  fhall  know  by  me, 
My  husband  keepes  me  far  more  narrowlie, 
Then  he  was  wont,  fo  as  to  tell  you  true, 
You  cannot  come  to  me  ;  nor  I  to  you. 

Yet 


Epigrammes.  1 2 1 

Yet  fpite  of  his  eies  and  as  many  more, 
Wele  vfe  thofe  pleafures  which  we  vfd  before  : 
Onely  be  wife,  and  fecond  what  I  wifli : 
Which  to  expreffe  (my  friend)  know  this  it  is. 
My  husband  as  he  hates  the  home  to  weare, 
Of  all  the  Badges  forth,  fo  feares  he'th  Beare, 
More  then  all  other  Beafts  which  doe  frequent 
The  heathy  Forrefts  fpacious  continent 
If  thou  wilt  right  me  then,  and  pepper  him, 
Couer  thy  feruant  in  a  falfe  Beares  skin. 
And  come  to  morrow,  as  thou  vfd  before, 
Tying  thy  feruant  to  my  chamber  dore. 
After  this  quaint  direction  he  attirde 
His  man  in  beare-skin  as  me  had  defir'de 
Entring  the  chamber  he  receiued  is 
With  many  a  fmile,  back-fall,  and  fweetned  kiffe  : 
For  they'r  fecure,  of  all  that  was  before, 
Hauing  a  Beare  that  kept  the  Buffe/nwz  dore. 
The  wittall  foole  no  fooner  inckling  had, 
Then  vp  the  ftaiers  he  ran  as  he  were  mad. 
But  feeing  none  but  th'  Beare  to  entertaine  him, 
Of  Homes  he  neuer  after  did  complaine  him. 


In 


122 


In  Romanum  Mneftorem. 

IT  chanc't  two  Romane  Conuerts  on  a  day, 
For  pater  noftera.t  the  Cards  to  play  ; 
She  mop'd,  he  pop'd  :  his  popping  could  not  get  her, 
"  For  (he  thought  popping  elfewher  had  been  fitter. 
Thus  he  went  home  no  wifer  then  he  came, 
Sith  popping  was  the  Puppies  chiefeft  game. 


In  Poetam  Hippodramum. 
OR 

Poft-riding  Poet. 

IT  tooke  a  Poet  once  I'th  head  to  poaft, 
For  what  I  know  not,  but  I'me  fure  it  coft 
His  purfe  far  more  (as  I  haue  heard  foms  fay) 
Then  ere  his  Mufe  was  able  to  repay. 


In  Numularium  antiphylon. 


?  its  true  ;  but  he  intends  to  be 
ftamper  of  that  Coine  is  due  to  me. 
Pray  thee  (my  friend)  forbeare  to  fet  it  on, 
(My  ftampe  I  meane)  till  I  haue  throughly  done  : 
And  I  proteft  to  thee,  when  I  haue  ended, 
I'le  yeeld  to  thee,  if  fhe  fay  thou  canft  mend  it. 

In 


123 
In  Romanum  Sacerdotem. 

A  Romane  Prieft  came  to  abfolue  a  Virgin  by  the  way, 
±\.  As  he  in  his  Proceflion  went  :  where  hee  refolu'd  to  Hay 
A  night  For  what  ?  not  to  abfolue  the  tender^Virgins"finne, 
But  as  a  Ghoflly  Fathers  wont,  to  let  more  errors  in  : 
The  doore  was  fhut,the  candle  out,  for  I  would  haue  you  mark, 
A  carnall  Father  beft  abfolues  a  Virgin  in  the  darke  : 
Which  abfolution  fo  increafd,  in  zeale  and  purity, 
As  within  fixe  and  forty  weekes  it  grew  a  Tympany, 
A  girle  forfooth,  baptized  loan,  nor  is  it  any  fhame, 
for  tK  wench  in  time  may  proue  Pope  loan  thefecond  of  that  name. 


In  Phylcetum. 

Hylatus  writing  loue-lines  on  a  day, 
A  Ratte  came  in  and  flole  his  lines  away. 
Phyletus  flept  on  ftill,  and  minded  not 
While  th'hungry  Ratte  eat  vp  the  lines  he  wrote  ; 
If  I  were  to  be  ludge,  as  much  may  be, 
The  Rat  mould  be  in  loue,  Phyletus  free. 
That  feeing  th'faucy  Rat  to  loue  enthrall'd, 
Loue-bayne  heereafter  might  be  Rats-baine  call'd. 


An 


124 


An  Epigram  called  the 
Courtier. 

NOW  heauen  preferue  mine  eyefight  what  is  here? 
A  man  made  vp  in  Wainfcot  ?  now  I  fweare, 
I  tooke  him  for  fome  Colofle  ;  fure  I  erre, 
This  is  not  he  :  yes  :  this's  the  Courtier, 
Braue  Pun-tevallo,  for  thofe  armes  he  beares, 
(An  Affe-head  rampant)  and  that  chaine  he  weares, 
By  bleft  Saint  Martin,  doe  defcry  it's  he, 
Well,  ile  obferue  his  carriage  narrowly. 
What  makes  him  go  fo  ftiffe,  has  he  the  gout  ? 
No,  but  a  fire  in's  hams  that  went  not  out 
Thefe  feuen  yeares  to  my  knowledge  :  then  it  has 
Begun  (it  feems  bout  time)  when  th'glafle-work  was. 
Its  true,  it  did  fo,  I  haue  heard  fome  fay, 
He  has  a  pleafant  wit,  he  has  one  way 
A  pretty  thriuing  wit,  can  make  a  legge, 
And  harken  out  what  office  he  may  begge. 
Can  looke  as  big  and  burly  on  fuch  men, 
(Poore  Gnats)  that  come  for  to  petition  him, 
As  Giants  in  a  Pagent,  can  proteft, 
For  meere  formality,  laugh  at  a  ieft, 
(Without  concerning  ont)  has  witte  enough, 
To  put  good  clofe  on,  beare  his  face  in's  ruffe. 

Like 


The  Courtier.  125 

Like  a  braue  fprightly  Spaniard,  will  not  let, 

With  fome  new  minted  oaths  to  pay  his  debt, 

And  can  difpenfe  with  them,  nor  does  he  more, 

In  this,  then  what  his  Elders  did  before. 

With  truth  (in  complement)  he  feldome  meetes, 

For  naked  truth  with  Eue  lies  without  Iheetes, 

And  he  endures  not  that,  nor  can  incline, 

To  fuch  a  motion,  but  in  progreffe  time. 

He  cannot  blufh  (no  more  can  women  now) 

Till  that  their  pretie  painter  tell  them  how. 

He  ha's  a  kind  of  vaine  in  fonnetting, 

Purchaft  by  brocage  or  by  pilfering, 

With  which  he  wooes  his  miftreffe,  he  will  fet, 

His  face  to  any  fafhion,  and  will  bett, 

Wagers  on  Ladies  honours  :  hauing  forgotten 

What  he  fhould  fpeake,  hee's  fingering  his  button, 

Or  fome  fuch  trifling  aftion,  till  he  ftore 

himfelfe  with  wit,  which  he  had  loft  before : 

Nor  did  that  Morall  erre,  who  wifely  would, 

Compare  a  Courtiers  witte  to  th'Marigold. 

It  opens  with  the  Sunne,  but  beeing  fet 

The  Mari-gold  fhuts  vp,  fo  doth  his  witte. 

The  Marigold's  moft  cheer'd  by  mid-day  funne, 

So's  he,  whence  i'ft,  he  lies  in  bed  till  noone. 

Occafion  is  his  Cupid,  luft  his  lure, 

Pleafure  his  Pander,  dalliance  his  whoore, 

He  h'as  but_one  receipt  of  making  loue, 

And  being  put  out,  he  cannot  fpeake,  nor  moue, 

But  like  a  liue-leffe  image,  feemes  to  be, 

Till  by  good  hap  his  fpeech  recouered  be. 

He 


126  The  Courtier. 

He  fmells  of  Complement,  in  prefence  faire, 

And  vfes  oft  to  weare  bracelets  of  haire, 

Swearing  they  came  from  fuch,  but  tis  not  fo, 

For  t'was  fome  tyre-woman  he  tooke  them  fro. 

The  Ornaments  which  he  admires  are  thefe, 

To  faune,  to  obferue  times,  to  court,  to  pleafe, 

To  make  ftrange  faces,  fleeke  his  prefum'd  skin, 

Starch  his  Mouchatoes,  and  forget  his  fmne. 

To  dance,  to  dice,  to  congie,  to  falute, 

To  ftamp,  to  ftalke,  to  finger  well  a  lute. 

To  tremble  at  a  Cannon  when  it  fhootes, 

To  like,  diflike,  and  fill  his  head  with  doubts. 

To  be  in  paflion,  wind  his  carelefle  armes, 

To  plie  his  Miftreffe  with  delightfull  charmes. 

To  be  for  all,  yet  ignorant  in  all, 

To  be  difguifd,  and  ftrange  fantafticall : 

Briefly  to  be,  what  all  his  kind  haue  beene, 

Seeme  what  they  be  not,  be  what  leajl  they  feeme. 

Such  is  my  Puntauallo,  and  in  time 

No  queftion  but  hee'l  prooue  true  Pantomime, 

To  imitate  all  formes,  fhapes,  habits,  tyres 

Suting  the  Court,  and  forting  his  defires, 

And  then  what  th'Satyre  faid,  fhall  well  appeare : 

The  Deuill  is  the  perf efts  Courtier, 
Hauing  my  complete  Courtier  thus  defin'd, 
I  haue  no  more  that  I  can  call  to  minde, 
"  Saue  what  is  common,  and  is  knowne  to  all, 
"  That  Courtiers  as  the  tide  doe  rife  and  fall, 
So  I  will  end  with  what  I  haue  writ  before, 
"  Till  the'next  tide  come,  and  then  I  wil  write  more. 

Vpon 


127 


Vpon  his  much  honoured  friend 

Matter  William  Afcam,  and  his 

felefted  Temple. 

Whofe  Anagram  is  produced  by  the  Poet. 


William  A/cam. 
-Sum  Via  Luci 


-Alma. 


Hoc  Anagramma  tenes  Gulielmi) — Sum  via  Luci 
Alma,  per  athereos  qua  iuuat  ire  locos. 

Qua  via  ?  virtutis  via  laftea,  qua  tibi  nota  eft  : 
Nee  minor  Exemplis  Gloria  parta  tuis. 


A 


Epigram. 

In  Templo,  Venerem  Speftet 
Qui  amat  Venerem. 

Ske  him  what  Temple  moft  delighteth  him, 
And  heel  replye,  that  Temple  thou  art  in. 


Nee  Venus  eft  qua  nomen  habet  veneris,fed  Arnica 
Cafta  decs  Arcadia,  Delia  nomen  habet,  &t. 

Looke 


128  The  Courtier. 

Aske  him  what  Praiers  fhould  in  that  Temple  be, 
And  he'le  replie,  what  prayers  beft  liketh  thee. 
Aske  him  what  Temple  yeelds  him  moft  content, 
And  he'le  reply  thy  Temple,  ther's  his  Saynt 
Aske  him  what  Temple's  purer  then  aboue. 
He'le  fay  thy  Temple:  there's  the  Queene  of  Loue  ; 
Then  let  me  aske  your  Judgement  is't  not  fit, 
That  Temple  honour  him,  that  honours  it  ? 

Pojies  vpon  bracelets. 

As  loue  giues  life  to  euery  part, 
So  this  giues  life  vnto  my  hart : 
This  chaftly  lies,  and  Hues  with  me, 
O  that  I  might  doe  fo  with  thee  ? 

Another. 

How  might  I  triumph  in  my  blifle  ; 
If  loue  were  where  my  Bracelet  is. 
For  then  fhould  loue  do  no  fuch  harm 
To  wring  my  heart,  but  wreath  my  arme. 


An 


129 


An  Eglogue  betweene 

Billie  and  lockie  called 

the  Muflirome. 

lockie. 

WHon  Billie  whon,  what  faire has  thou  bin  at  ? 
Thoufe  befo  trim,  I  mickle  tor  ken  at : 
For  wele  I  wate,  laft  time  I  met  with  thee, 
Thou  hardly  had  a  lapp  tofwedle  thee. 
Pray  thee  (good  Bille,)  tell  me  fwith  andfoone, 
lockie  may  doe  what  Billy  late  has  done. 
Billie.  What  lockie  (lither  lurderi)  leffe  for  wea, 
Thorift  befo  tattert,  but  theres  many  fea, 
That  ill  can  wappe  it :  but  be  vif'd  by  mee, 
And  thou  or  lang fall glifh  in  brauery. 
Swatt  on  thy  tayle  man,  heeres  a  bly thy  place, 
And  He  enfure  thee  how  I  gat  this  grace. 

*  Ecloge  apud  Lucianum  extat  quce  hocticulo  plane  infcribitur,  Mi- 
rica  nimrium,  quam  Fuiigum  ejje  exiftimo,  intempejliue  orientem 
arentemque,  fifo.  Eo  nomine  Romanos  Salini  appellauere,  Gal- 
los  Romani,  Tujcos  Itali,  injlmo  nempe  genere,  £f  tgnota  gente 
orta,  fulitoque  prouectos,  &c. 

K  lockie 


130  The  MuJJirome. 

lockie.  Mickle  may  Bille  thriut,  as  hees  begun, 

My  lugges  are  lit  king,  Bille  now  iogge  on. 

Billy.  Then  heare  me  locky.  Boiit  mid-belten  (was 

Or  Ife  bethought  awrang,  when  I  mufl  paffe, 

Ore  tK  Breamy  bourne,  and  (wele'I  tr aw)  I  had, 

Smaw  gere  (at  tat  tide)  but  a  lether-bagge, 

A  Motley  iacket,  an  a  flop  of  blew, 

It  was  my  Fadders,  I  mun  tell  thee  true. 

A  lang youd  I,  (and  langer  tJun  thoulefay) 

And  wele,  I  knew  not  whether,  ne  what  way, 

Fute-fare  I  was,  for  *B\\\eJkoon  had  neane, 

But  an  aud pare  with  him,  and  they  were  gane. 

Nor  hofe-legs  (wele  I  wate]  but  skoggers  aud, 

That  hardly  hap't  poore  Billes  legs  fra  caud. 

Hate  was  my  weajin,  empty  was  my  maw, 

And  nane  I  met  with,  I  could  ken  or  knaw, 

So  vncath  was  the  gete  (as  but  for  JJiame) 

I  had  comd  backe  toth  place  fra  whein  I  came, 

For  flier  had  I  skant,  nor  lej/e  nor  mare. 

Then  three  Bawbees,  He  tell  thee  all  my  flare. 

But  lith  me  locky  (after  many  a  mile] 

At  la/I  I  hapt  to  light  vpon  an  lie, 

Bu  Come  and  full  a  gere,  and  full  aflore, 

For  Bille  neuer  met  with  like  before, 

Sae  Greathy  was  the  place  where  I  was  driuen 

That  I  mefecker  thought  I  was  in  Heauen. 

But 


The  Mujhrome.  1 3 1 

But  wele  Ifefure  they  that  this  Hand  kept, 

Were  by  our  Whilome  Fathers  Angels  clept. 

And  wele  they  might  befo,  for  wele  I  wate, 

They  were  fine  men,  and  men  of  micklejlate. 

Had  lujly  huffes  (that  were  tricke  and  trim,} 

Cud  wele  don  on  their  geere,  with  euery  pin. 

Heerejlood  I  mufeng  lang  full  keauily, 

Till  lockie  wha  dojl  thinkefpeard  vp  to  me. 

lockie.    Wha  Bille  mot  that  be  ? 

Bille.  Ane  wha  thou  kens. 

Cand  ane,  we  r aught  on  meanely,  but  now  fene, 

He  has  the  pricke  and  preze  He  fay  to  thee. 

lockie.    Was  it  not  Lobbie  ? 

Bille.   locky  it  was  he. 

But  now  the  mickle  Lurden  is  fo  great, 

Theyr  bleft  by  God,  that  may  with  Lobbie  fpeake. 

By  Gods  bread  lockie,  hefogaifh  was, 

I  thought  no  boot  to  fpeake,  but  let  him  pajfe, 

And  had  donefo,  but  Lobby  wasfo  kinde. 

To  come  to  me,  and  leaue  his  men  behind. 

Great  chat  we  had,  and  many  that  were  nye, 

Mufd  he  would  chat  withjike  an  ene  as  I. 

But  blith  was  Lobbie,  andfo  meeke  he  was, 

That  he  vnhorjlfate  by  me  on  the  grajje, 

Lang  did  we  tauke  of  this  thing  and  of  that, 

A  lugge,  a  Peggy,  and  a  nut-brown  Kate, 

K  2  A 


132  The  Mufltrome. 

A  Crowd  the  Piper,  and  the  Fiddler  Twang, 
And  many  Jike  things,  as  wee  layen  alang. 
Ablangjl  the  leaue,  this  Co^mcell  gaue  he  mee, 
That  made  me  wele  to  leue,fo  may  it  thee. 
Billie  (quoth  Lobby)  if  thoule  prqfper  heere, 
Thou  mun  be  bald,  and  learne  to  bandon  feare, 
Thou  mun  not  blujh,  nor  colour  change  for  oiight, 
Though  tit  plea  thou  hajl  in  hand  be  nerefo  nought. 
Thou  mun  not  take  petition  (lithen  me) 
Nor  entertaine  him,  till  thou  take  thy  fee, 
And  (wele  I  warne  tfiee)  better  way  t/iou  thriue, 
If  thy  hand  open  be  to  aw  that  giue. 
Get  mee  fome  pr oilers,  they  are  bejl  of  all, 
To  make  thee  weet,  when  fome  good  office  falls, 
Or  a  barre-hoisted  Lawyer  that  can  fee, 
With  his  four e  eyne  where  aud  concealments  be, 
But  of  aw  things  I  mun  fore-warne  thee  hence, 
To  hauefmall  dealing  with  a  Confcience. 
That  will  vndoe  thee  (Billy)  looke  to  one,     (none. 
Poore  men  haue  Confcience,  but  rich  men  haue 
'Mongft  other  things  liften  to  what  I  fay, 
For  I  in  brief  e  willfpeake  now  what  I  may. 
In  Teucria  here  (this  Citie  where  there  be] 
Many  a  man  will  haue  an  eye  of  thee, 
Gaine  me  Acquaintance :  ifs  thefpring  of  life, 
And  know  thou  maift  a  Tradefman  by  his  Wife. 

Be 


The  Mujhrome.  133 

Bejicker  on  her  Billy  e,fae  it  is 

Can  ope  her  husbands  Casket  with  a  kiffe. 

Diue  me  into  a  Mercers  Booke,  and  fay, 

Thoul't  pay  onjike  a  time,  but  doe  not  pay. 

Chauke  me  on  Vintners,  and  for  aw  thy  skore, 

Let  great  words  pay  for  aw,flillrun  on  more. 

Bejlately  Billy  (and  I  doe  thee  rede) 

Thou  mun  now  throw  away  thy  countrey  weed. 

For  skoggers,  hozen  of  the  Naples  twine, 

For  thy  blew  flop,  Jike  a  breeke  as  mine  : 

For  thy  aud  motley  iacket,  thou  mun  weare, 

A  cloth  ajiluer,feke  as  I  haue  heere. 

Then  mun  thou  looke  big  (what  way  ere  thou  paj/e) 

As  if  that  Billy  were  not  th  man  he  was. 

Then  learne  me  Billy  fame  aud  Pedegree, 

Noe  matter  thought  belong  not  vnto  thee, 

And  fay  thy  Grand-Jire  was  a  Duke  at  leaft, 

And  jirjl  inuentor  of  Saint  Galloway es  feajl. 

Maintaine  me  leeing  in  a  Liuery, 

For  that's  the  firft  meanes  tJiat  mun  honour  thee : 

Let  her  be  Page-like,  at  thy  elbow  Jiill, 

For  when  thou  canjl  not  doe  it,  leeing  will, 

Let  Suters  dance  Attendance,  lithen  me, 

Andquicke  difpatch,  be  it  thine  enemy e. 

Take  fees  for  expedition,  for  of  aw, 

Sutes  hajlly  ended  wreake  our  ouerthrow. 

K  *  Get 


1 34  The  Mujhrome. 

Get  me  an  Heralt  (wele  I  waf]  oth  be/I, 

That  may  for  Bille  find  fome  pretty  Creft, 

A  Rat,  a  Pifmire,  or  a  Butterflie, 

A  Cornifh  Chucke,  a  Parrat,  or  a  Pie, 

A  nimble  Squirrell,  or  a  picke-a-tree 

A  Wefell,  Vrchin,  or  a  Bumble-Bee. 

Or  if  of  plants,  my  Bille  will  haue  ane, 

He  may  full fwithly  mange  thefe  chufe  him  ane. 

The  Brier,  tlie  haw-thorne  :  or  the  Priuet  bu/Ji, 

Tlie  OJire,  Cypreffe,  or  where  thmerry  Thru/Jt, 

Sings  out  her  Fa,  la,  la,  but  nane  tliere  be, 

"  That  like  the  Mulhrome  Bille  fitteththee, 

Her  grouth  is  fudden,  Bille  fo  is  thine, 

Then  take  the  Mufhrome,  its  a  Crejl  of  mine. 

Mare  need  I  not  fay,  keepe  but  wele  my  reede, 

Andfeker  Ife,  thou  cannot  chufe  but  fpeede* 

With  that  he  twin'd  fra  me,  and  left  me  there, 

Where  I  with  mickle  Carke,  and  mickle  Care, 

Bujlling  now  vp  now  downe,  at  la/I  me  yode, 

To  ply  my  lej/bn  wele  I  vnderftood, 

And  in  a  pretty  while  I  learnd  to  bee, 

That  cunning  Clerke  that  he  awarded  me. 

Deftly  could  I  tricke  vp  me  fell,  and  trim, 

Me  featly  fine,  in  euery  legge  and  limme, 

Wele  cud  I  marke  my  name  in  Marchants  books, 

Fo  wele  I  wate,  wha  ere  he  be,  that  lookes, 

Ife 


Mujkrome.  135 

Pfe  there  in  black  and  white,  and  wele  I  may, 

For  he  is/aid  to  aw  that  menes  to  pay. 

Not  a  petion  would  I  lijlen  ore, 

Till  Billie  hadfant  chinke  iris  fift  before. 

Not  a  rich  mickle  lojjell  could  there  be, 

That  had  a  plea  but  had  his  path  by  me. 

Andjine  I fau  as  Lobbie  teld  beliue, 

That  he  that  had  a  confcience  could  not  thriue. 

I  draue  the  Haggard  fra  me,Jine  whilke  time, 

lockie  thoufees  how  Billie  gins  toJJiine. 

lockie,  And  langmay  Billiey^zW,  butfaynetome 

Fare  aw  our  Coujlrils  haufe  as  wele  as  thee, 

Billie.   lockie  they  doe,  nor  neede  thou  far  ken  out, 

For  we  willfeede,  wha  euer  famifli  for  t : 

O  its  a  place  fo  full  of  louifance, 

Play  but  thy  round  the  Ilanders  will  daunce. 

Ladies  &  Lordings,  Swaimlings  with  their 

Will  trimly  trip  it  ore  the  leuie  plaines.  (fwaines, 

And  wele  I  wat  that  lockie  ance  could  play, 

For  I  haue  heard  him, 

lockie.  And  fo  Billie  may. 

Billie.   Then  tune  thy  chanter  vp  and gae  with  me, 

Come  blithly  on, 

lockie.   lockie  does  follow  tJiee. 

A-  4  A 


A  Panegirick  Embleame, 

Intituled, 

Saint  George  for  England. 

The  Argument  of  the 

Embleame. 

From  whence  the  EngliJJt  anciently  deriued  this  Saints 
canonisation,  his  orders,  inauguration — of  Sigif- 
mund,  Emperour  of  Almaine  :  and  his  prefent  to 
Henry  the  Jift.  The  injlitution  of  this  order  where, 
the  folemnizing  where :  tJte  feiierall  games,  exerci- 
fes,  Races,  and  Martiall  trialls  aufpicioujly  begunne 
with  that  Saint. — And  tlie  like  of  Honour  and  ad- 
uancement. — A  comparifon  had  betweene  Perfeus 

fonne  to  lupiter  and  Danae  ;  who  preferued  Andro- 
meda from  the  fea  monfter,  and  Saint  George,  who 

Jlew  the  Dragon.  The  difcription  of  Perfeus,  and  of 
Saint  George :  concluding  with  a  victorious  Paean 
to  Saint  George. 


H 


The  Embleame. 

Aile  to  thy  fhrine  thou  Saint  of  Albion, 
Who  had  thy  auncient  confecration 

From 


A  Panegerick  Embleame. 

From  thy  religious  mannagements,  as  farre 

Difperft,  as  Turke  or  Chriftian  planted  are, 

Thou  art  the  Saint  which  we  in  war  doe  vfe, 

Hoping  by  thee  to  be  aufpicious. 

Yet  void  of  fuperflition  we  impart, 

Sole  laiid  to  him,  whofe  noble  Saint  thou  art 

Nor  loofe  we  th'  name  of  th'  Almaine  Sigifmund, 

By  whom  thy  precious  Reliques  firft  were  found. 

And  heere  prefented  as  a  royall  gift 

To  Englands  Mirrour,  Henry  the  fift 

Since  when  thy  order  is  folemnized, 

At  Windfor,  where  a  part  of  thee  is  fed 

To  be  inter 'd :  thrice  happy  monument, 

To  couer  part  of  one  fo  eminent 

So  Saintly  vertuous,  as  no  honour  can, 

"  Giue  thee  thy  due,  as  onely  due  to  man. 

O  may  thy  inftitution  honour'd  be, 

By  true  deferts,  and  due  folemnity. 

Nor  whom  thy  order  doth  inaugurate, 

May  they  by  vice  ftand  fubiecl:  vnto  hate. 

But  fo  euen  weigh  in  all  their  actions  here, 

"As  Georges  Knights  may  after  Saints  appear e : 

Which  they  fhall  be,  by  fhowing  feruent  zeale 

Vnto  the  Church,  loue  to  the  common-weale. 


137 


In 


•38 


A  Panegirick  Embleme. 


In  all  our  games  and  paftimes  feuerall, 
Euer  on  George  as  on  our  Saint  we  call: 
For  by  that  name  the  auncients  vnderftood, 
Their  Fortune  could  not  chufe  but  to  be  good, 
As  Turnaments,  lufts,  Barriers,  and  tJte  reft, 
In  which  his  name  was  euermore  exprejl. 
In  Races  too  thefe  prefent  times  affoord 
Inftances  ftore,  Saint  George  he  giues  the  word. 
So  as  it  was  (as  common  ftories  tell) 
To  fay  Saint  George,  as  fay  Godfpeedeyou  well. 

In  Martiall  trials  when  our  armies  met, 
His  name  would  fpirit  in  our  men  beget, 
"  Heightning  their  courage,  perills  patting  through. 
"  Standing  defolu'd  before  a  Cannons  mouth. 
"  Out-bearing  danger,  and  with  violent  breath 
"  Stand  at  defiance  gainft  the  threats  of  death. 
Marching  through  horrour  they  would  boldly  paffe, 
( 'As  for  pale  feare,  they  knew  not  what  it  was.) 
Which  may  be  inftanc'd  in  that  holy  war, 
Where  thofe  that  loft  their  liues  canon iz'd  are 
In  leaues  of  perpetuity  :  I  meane, 
In  the  regayning  of  lemfalem, 
Where  thofe  renouned  Champions  enterprift, 
For  the  due  honour  of  their  Sauiour  Chrijl. 


Either 


A  panegericke  Embleme. 


139 


Either  to  win  that  Cittie  (maugre  th'vaunts 
Of  all  thofe  hellifh  god-leffe  mifcreants,) 
Or  if  they  could  not  th'  Cittie  fo  furprize, 
Refolv'd  they  were  their  Hues  to  facrifice  ; 
Euen  then  I  fay  when  thofe  that  MarJhaWd  ttiem, 
Could  not  with-hold  from  flight  their  recreant  men  ; 
"  Saint  George  appeared  in  a  fubmiffiue  Jlww, 
"  Wifliing  them  not  to  wrong  their  Countriefo  : 
And  though  a  ghofl  (and  therefore  leffe  belieu'd  ; 
Yet  was  his  mouing  prefence  fo  receiv'd 
As  none  to  fight  it  out  refolued  more, 
Thenfuch  as  readiejl  were  to  flie  before. 
Vp  went  their  fcaling-ladders  to  difplant 
Th'abhorred  of-spring  of  the  mifcreant, 
And  euer  as  fome  danger  they  efpide, 
God  and  S*  George  for  England  Jlill  they  cride. 
And  how  fucceffiue  that  renowned  warre 
Was  to  thofe  Chriftians,  which  enrolled  are 
In  an  eternall  regifter,  may  well  appeare 
"By  Godfrey  Bulloyne  who  was Jliled  there 
"  King  of  lerufalem,  yet  as  its  Jhowne, 
"  By  auntient  ftories,  would  receiue  no  crowne, 
"  Thinking 't  vnfit  that  itjhould  be  rehear/I, 
"  That  where  his  majlers  head  with  thornes  was  pierjl. 

Hee 


140  A  panegericke  Embleme. 

He  that  his  feruant  was  fhould  be  fo  bold, 

As  haue  his  head  girt  with  a  crowne  of  gold. 

What  fame  in  forraine  coafts  this  Hero  got, 

The  lake  mSilene  fhewes,  if  we  fhould  not ; 

Where  in  the  reskew  of  a  louely  Mayde, 

A  fearefull  Dragon  he  difcomfited, 

So  as  we  haue  portraide  to  euery  viewe, 

On  fignes  of  Innes  how  George  the  Dragon  flew  ; 

Which  ftory  to  expreffe  were  too  too  long, 

Being  a  fubiect  for  each  fidlers  fong  : 

"  Yet  caufe  there  is  (I  cannot  will  nor  chufe) 

Comparifon  'twixt  him  and  Perfeus, 

Who  fonne  to  loue  and  fhowre  ftain'd  Danac, 

In  reskew  of  the  faire  Andromade, 

Encountred  that  fea-monfter  ;  He  explane 

Each  attribute  of  their  peculiar  fame : 

"  And  then  conferring  them  one  with  the  other, 

"  Collect  whofe  bed  their  actions  laide  together. 

And  firft  for  Perfeus ;  great  I  muft  confeffe, 
He  was  in  name,  his  birth  inferres  no  leffe 
Being  loues  fonne,  yet  can  he  no  way  fhun 
The  name  of  Baftard,  though  he  were  his  fonne  : 


Sylene  the  pond  or  lake  where 
the  Dragon  was. 


Deflow- 


A  panegericke  Embleme. 


141 


Deflowr'd  his  mother  was — and  in  a  fhowre 

Of  gold,  to  fhew  how  gold  has  foueraigne  power, 

T'  vnlocke  the  fort  of  fancy,  and  how  foone 

"  Women  are  wonne,  when  golden  bayts  arejhowne. 

Long  loue  had  woo'd  and  yet  he  could  not  win 

What  he  defir'd,  till  gold  receiv'd  him  in, 

Which  feemes  by  eafie  confequence  to  proue, 

"  Gifts  be  the  giues  that  biddes  the  hands  of  loue. 

Thus  fprung  the  noble  Perfeus,  who  in  time 

"  To  propagate  the  honour  of  that  line 

From  whence  he  came,  and  that  it  might  be  fed, 

That  he  from  loue  was  rightly  fathered 

Tooke  on  him  ftrange  aduentures  ;  as  to  right 

"  Iniur'd  Ladies  by  a  Jingle  fight, 

"  Encounter  Giants,  refcew  men  diftreft, 

In  each  whereof  his  glory  was  repreft : 

"  For  valiant  &  more  worthy  they  doeJJiew  them, 

"  That  wrongs  redrejfc,  then  fuch  as  vfe  to  doe  them. 

But  th'firft  and  beft  attempt  he  did  on  Earth, 

"  Was,  to  wipe  off  tJt  blemijh  of  his  birth, 

And  th'ftaine  of  his  corrupted  mothers  honour, 

Which  blufhes  blaz'd  who  euer  look't  vpon  her. 

"  On  them  alone  imagined  it  may  be 

Went  he  to  th'reskew  of  Andromade\ 

Who 


142  A  panegericke  Embleme. 

Who  now  was  markt  for  death,  and  brought  to  th' 

Where  many  maids  had  bin  deuour'd  before,     (more 

By  a  fea-monfter :  here  the  Virgin  flood, 

To  free  her  Countrey  with  her  guiltleffe  blood, 

Whom  Perfeus  (as  he  coafted  by  that  way) 

No  fooner  vew'd  then  he  began  to  fay. 

Faire  Virgin  (then  he  wept)  impart  to  vs 
What  rude  vnhallowed  hand  hath  vs'd  thee  thus 
And  by  the  honour  of  my  heauenly  Sire 
What  ere  he  be  he  mail  receiue  his  hire, 
Giant  or  Monfter  in  the  earth  or  Sea, 
Reueng'd  he  mall  fweete  Virgin  tell  it  me. 
Kind  Sir  (quoth  me)  and  then  fhe  ftaide  her  breath 
As  one  addreft  to  meditate  of  death, 
Treate  not  with  me  of  life,  nor  aske  who  'tis 
Giant  or  Monfter  that's  the  caufe  of  this, 
Onely  know  this  (thou  gentle  Knight)  that  I 
"Am  doomed  to  death,  and  Fme  refold  d  to  die. 
To  die  (faire  Maide  quoth  he)  ?  if 't  be  thy  fate, 
He  fympathize  with  thee  in  equall  Mate 
And  die  with  thee  :  onely  giue  griefe  a  tongue, 
To  tell  me  who's  the  Author  of  thy  wrong  : 
Know  then  (fayd  he)  I  am  that  hapleffe  me, 
The  wretched,  pittied,  poore  Andromade, 

Who 


A  panegericke  Embleme.  143 

Who  here  am  left  of  friends,  bereft  of  all 
To  be  a  prey  vnto  a  rauenous  whale  : 
Many  haue  fuffered  ere  it  came  to  me, 
Now  is  my  lot  and  welcome  it  mail  be, 
To  expiate  with  my  vnftained  blood 
The  Monfters  wrath  and  doe  my  countrey  good  ; 
As  me  fpake  this  vp  from  the  Ocean 
Came  that  deuouring  vafte  Leuiathan, 
Sweeping  along  the  more,  which  being  fpide ; 
Good  fir  retire  the  noble  Damfell  cride, 
Yonder  he  comes  for  loue  of  honour  flie, 
It 's  I  am  doom'd,  then  let  me  onely  die. 
But  Perfeus  (one  better  tempered, 
Then  to  behold  a  Virgine  flaughtered, 
Without  affayd  reuenge)  did  ftreight  begin 
With  man-like  valour  to  encounter  him, 
Doubtfull  the  skirmifh  was  on  either  fide, 
(While  th'Maide  a  fad  fpecliator  did  abide) 
Wooing  with  teares  which  from  her  cheeks  did  flow 
That  loue  would  giue  this  Monfter  th'ouerthrow  : 
At  laft  her  prayers  and  teares  preuail'd  fo  well, 
As  vnder  Perfeus  feete  the  Monfter  fell  ; 
Whence  came  it  (as  the  ftory  doth  proceede) 
The  Virgin  and  her  Countrey  both  were  freede : 

Which 


1 44  -A  panegericke  Embleme. 

Which  to  requite  (in  guerdon  of  her  life) 

Se  gaue  her  felfe  to  Perfeus  as  wife, 

"  Whom  he  receiu'd-6  he  did  ill  in  this, 

"  Sith  by  the  Auncient  it  recorded  is, 

Before  that  Perfeus  to  her  reskew  came, 

She  was  efpoufed  to  another  man 

"  By  name  Vaxedor,  (o  it  was  afinne 

To  marrie  her  that  was  not  dew  to  him  :) 

And  better  had't  been  to  fuflaine  her  fate, 

"  Then  by  fuch  breach  of  faith  to  violate 

Her  former  Spoufals  -  which  vniuft  offence 

"  Gods  may  winke  at  but  ncuer  will  difpencc  : 

Yea  to  a  barraine  Rocke  though  fhe  were  tyde, 

Yet  better  'twas  then  to  be  made  a  Bride 

"  To  an  vfurped  Bed,  for  that  did  late, 

"  That  Jlaine  on  her,  time  cannot  wipe  away. 

Thus  haue  you  heard  what  noble  Perfeus  was 

With  greateft  dangers  that  his  worth  did  pafle, 

The  imminence  whereof  merits  due  praife, 

"  And  fuch  a  Poet  as  deferues  the  Bates  : 

Laurell  and  Myrtle-though  his  Nuptiall  knot 

"  Loft  him  more  fame  then  ere  his  valour  got : 

"  For  fo  depratt'd's  the  Nature  of  our  will, 

"  What' s  good  we  laine,  wJiafs  ill  we  harpe  onftill. 

Now 


A  panegericke  Embleme. 


145 


Now  to  thy  Englifh  Saint,  my  Mufe  repaire, 

And  lira  him  fo,  that  when  thou  (halt  compare 

Thefe  two  :  He  Perfeus  may  out-ftrip  as  farre, 

As  funne  the  Moone,  or  th'  Moone  a  twinkling  ftar. 

GEORGE  now  enftil'd  the  Saint  of  A Ibion, 

By  linage  was  a  Capadocian  ; 

Whofe  n  valour  was  expreft  in  all  his  time, 

That  vertue  might  in  euery  aftion  fhine, 

Which  to  induce  beliefe  by  mouing  fence, 

I  will  produce  his  beft  description  thence, 

Both  for  th're  femblance  which  hath  euer  bin, 

Twixt  the  renowned  Perfeus  and  him  : 

As  alfo  to  make  good,  that  not  one  ftaine 

"Eclipjl  that  glory  which  his  a£ls  did  gaine 

All  which  by  inftance  feconded  fhall  be 

"Perfeus  was  great  yet  George  more  great  then  he. 

Tutching  that  Dragon  on  Sylenes  more, 
I  haue  in  part  related  it  before  : 
Yet  but  as  fhadowes  doe  refemblance  make, 
Vnto  the  fubftance  and  materiall  fhape, 
Digrefliuely  I  onely  feem'd  to  glance, 
At  th'acl  it  felfe,  not  at  the  circumftance : 

n  The  Etimologie  of  GE  ORGE  from  Gera  and 
Gion,  War-like,  or  valiant. 

L  Know 


146  A  panegericke  Embleme. 

Know  then  this  noble  Champion  hearing  one, 

Along  his  trauaile  making  piteous  mone, 

In  meere  remorce  drew  neerer  to  the  noice, 

"  Till  he  perceiitd  it  was  a  Ladies  voice, 

Who  in  a  Virgin-milky-white  araide, 

Show'd  by  her  habit  that  fhe  was  a  Maide  ; 

Careleffe  her  haire  hung  downe,  and  in  her  looke, 

Her  woes  were  writ  as  in  a  Table-booke  : 

Warm-trickling  teres  came  dreaming  from  her  eies, 

Sighs  from  her  heart,  and  from  her  accent  cries. 

Tyed  was  fhe  faft  vnto  a  pitched  flake, 

Bounding  on  Syleris  Dragon-haunted  lake, 

All  which  expreft  without  a  Character 

The  wofull  flate  which  did  enuiron  her  : 

Saint  George  obferv'd  her  teares,  and  from  his  eyes 

Her  teares  by  his  finde  their  renew'd  fupplies, 

Both  vie  as  for  a  wager,  which  to  winne, 

"  The  more  fhe  wept,  the  more  fhe  forced  him  : 

At  laft  with  modefl  hauiour  in  reliefe, 

Of  her  diftreffe,  he  thus  allaide  her  griefe. 

"  Sorrowfull  Lady,  if  griefes  lefned  are, 

When  thofe  that  pittie  griefes  receiue  their  fhare, 

Impart  your  forrowes  to  me,  and  in  lew, 

"  If  right  I  cannot,  I  will  pittie  you. 

AlafTe 


A  panegericke  Embleme.  147 

Alafle  (fweet  youth  quoth  fhe)  pittie's  too  late, 
When  my  difeafe  is  growen  fo  defperate, 
Yet  doe  I  thanke  thee  for  thy  loue  to  me, 
That  neuer  yet  deferu'd  fo  much  of  thee  : 
"Pray  thee  begone,  fuch  friendJJiip  lie  not  trie, 
To  see  thy  death  one  is  enowe  to  die, 
And  I  am  fhee, — crofle  not  the  will  of  Fate, 
"Better's  to  loofe  one  then  a  double ftate : 
Be  gone  I  fay  do  not  the  time  fore-flowe, 
"Peri/h  I  mujl  of  force,  fo  needs  not  thou. 
Imminent  horror  would  admit  no  more ; 
For  now  the  Dragon  from  Sylenes  fhore 
Came  fpitting  lothfome  venome  all  about, 
Which  blafted  trees  and  dried  vp  their  roote. 
S'  George  the  Dragon  had  no  fooner  vew'd, 
Then  frefh  fupplies  of  fpirit  was  renew'd 
In  his  vnmatched  breft  :  him  he  affailes, 
And  though  ore-matcht  his  fpirit  neuer  failes 
Till  he  fubdew'd  him  :  and  as  fome  auerre, 
He  tyed  him  faft  and  made  him  follow  her 
Vnto  her  fathers  pallace,  where  we  reade 
In  publike  triumph  he  cut  off  his  head. 
Here  may  we  fee  that  a6l  of  Perfeus 
Equall'd  by  George  and  made  more  glorious 

L  2  In 


148 


A  panegericke  Embleme. 


In  that  he  aym'd  no  further  nor  was  fe'd 
"  To  put  his  feete  into  another s  bed, 
"  His  conquejl  it  was  temperate  and  iuft, 
Not  ftayn'd  with  blemifh  of  defaming  luft 
For  no  attempt  vs'd  he  to  vndertake, 
But  for  true  honour  and  for  Verities  fake. 


149 


A  Vi6lorious  Paean  to  our 

Albions  5t,  alluding  to  all  noble 

fpirits,  natiue  affumers  of 

his  Honor  &  Order. 

10  Pean  then  muft  wee 
Giue  S*  George  the  mcJorie  : 
JVhofe  defert 
Gract  each  part ; 
Where  fo  ere  he  vsd  to  be, 
None  more  gract,  or  loiid  then  he. 

Perfeus  though  his  renowne, 
Did  to  all  the  world  come  ; 

Yet  oneftaine, 

Dimmd  his  fame  : 
But  the  world 's  fpatious  roome, 
Shrines  S*-  George  in  honours  toinbe. 

A 


A  Satyre  called  the  Coni- 

borrowe. 

NOw  in  the  name  of  fate  what  Saint  is  fhe, 
That  keepes  a  fhop  of  publicke  Brothelrie  ? 
Harbours  the  fharking  Lawyer  for  his  pence, 
And  Martir-like  confumes  his  euidence  ? 
Nudes  my  damned  Atheift,  makes  him  curfe 
Nature  and  fortune,  that  his  thin-lin'd  purfe 
Should  be  depriv'd  of  crowns  :  do  you  ask  what  Sl  ? 
This  Saint  was  fent  from  tk' fiery  Regiment. 
A  Sodome-apple,  a  lafciuious  ftaine 
To  vertues  habite,  or  a  whore  in  graine, 
A  fucke-blood,  Hyene,  feigning  Crocodile 
Worse  then  the  monfter  bred  on  th'  banks  of  Nyle, 
A  purple  Strumpet,  Gangrene  to  the  ftate, 
Earths-curfe,  hels-bliffe,  foules-foile,  &  Angels  hate, 
Smoothed  Damnation,  fmothered  infamie, 
Horror  to  Age,  and  youths  calamity, 
Pritty-fac'd  diuell  of  a  ginger  pace, 
Grace-leffe  in  all  faue  that  her  name  is  Grace, 
Soules-running  vlcer  that  infec~ls  the  heart, 
With  painting,  purfling  and  a  face  of  Art. 

Star 


The  Conyburrow.  151 

Star-blafting  honour,  vertues  foe,  expreft 

By  hating  where  (he  feemes  to  fancy  beft. 

Vow-breaking  periure,  that  her  felfe  adornes, 

With  thoufand  fafhions,  and  as  many  formes. 

Creature  of  her  owne  making,  hollow  trunke, 

A  Chrijlian  Paganif'd  with  name  of  Punke. 

A  Cell,  a  hell,  where  fhe'le  no  others  haue, 

The  common  Palliard-Pandor,  Baud,  or  flaue, 

A  cage  of  vncleane  birds,  which  is  poffeft, 

Of  none  faue  fuch  as  will  defile  their  neft. 

Where  fries  of  Hell-hounds  neuer  come  abroade, 

But  in  that  earthly  Tophet  make  aboade. 

Where  bankrupt  Factors  to  maintaine  a  ftate, 

Forlorne  (heauen  knows)  and  wholy  defperate, 

Turne  valiant  Bonlts,  Pimps,  Haxtars,  roaring  boyes, 

Till  flefht  in  bloud,  counting  but  murders  toyes, 

Are  forc't  in  th'  end  a  dolefull  Pfalme  to  fmg, 

Going  to  Heauen  by  Derick  in  a  firing. 

It's  you  damn'd  proftitutes  that  foyle  this  land, 

With  all  pollutions,  haling  downe  the  hand 

Of  vengeance  and  fubuerfion  on  the  State, 

Making  her  flowrie  borders  defolate. 

It's  you  that  ruine  ancient  families, 

Occafion  bloodfhed,  pillage,  periuries. 

Its  you  that  make  the  wicked  prodigall, 

Strips  him  of  fortune,  heritance,  and  all, 

Its  you  that  makes  new  Troy  with  factions  bleede, 

As  much  or  more  then  euer  old  Troy  did. 

Its  you  (fin-branded  wantons)  brings  decay, 

To  publique  Mates.     Its  you  that  hate  the  day, 

L  4  But 


152  T/te  Cony  burrow. 

But  honour  night :  where  euery  female  finner 

Refembles  th'  Moone,  that  has  a  man  within  her. 

Lafciuious  Burrowes,  where  there  nothing  are, 

But  toufed,  fullied,  and  ore  iaded  ware. 

No  mufick  but  defpaire,  no  other  note, 

Saue  fome  /rm/c^-language  from  a  prophane  throat : 

Noe  other  Accent  then  the  voyce  of  hell, 

Where  Stygian  Circe  mumbles  ore  her  fpell. 

Shakes  her  pox -eaten  ioynts,  and  fends  for  fpies, 

To  gaine  her  traders  two  fin-tempting  eies. 

Where  fhe  in  praife  and  honour  of  her  trade 

Saies,  that  t/ie  Stewes  were  in  th  beginning  made, 

For  the  aduancement  of  a  publick  good, 

And  well  it  may,  if  rightly  vnderftood  : 

For  if  in  pleafures  there  fuch  bitters  be, 

As  ftill  repentauce  lackies  vanitie  ? 

If  luft  that's  cal'd  by  th'  fenfuall  Epicure, 

The  beft  of  mouing  pleasures,  and  the  lure, 

That  for  the  inftance  makes  our  organs  rife, 

Thinking  that  place  wee'r  in  is  Paradice. 

If  fhe  (I  say)  bring  forth  no  fruit  at  all, 

Saue  news  from'th  Spittle,  or  the  Hofpitall. 

Drie  rewmes,  catarchs,  difeafes  of  defpaire, 

Puritane-fniueling,  falling  of  the  haire. 

Akes  in  the  ioynts,  and  ring-worme  in  the  face, 

Cramps  in  the  nerues,  fire  in  the  priuy  place. 

Racking  the  sinews,  burning  of  the  gall, 

Searing  the  vaines,  and  bowels  moft  of  all : 

Drying  the  head,  which  natur's  wont  to  feede, 

Sucking  the  blood,  whence  all  diftempers  breede. 

If 


The  Cony  burrow.  153 

If  beft  of  pleafures  haue  no  other  end, 

Mong'ft  earth's  delights,  the  haue  we  caufe  t'extend, 

Our  pure  affections  to  an  higher  ayme, 

Then  to  corrupt  the  honour  of  our  name. 

For  prefent  appetite  :  I  thanke  the  whoor, 

Thou  haft  inftru6lted  me  to  haue  a  power 

Ouer  my  fence  by  reafon  rectified, 

And  haft  well  neere  my  fenfes  mortefied. 

I  know  thy  habit,  and  (and  I  once  haue  fworne, 

But  now  recant  it,  that  no  earthy  forme 

Was  of  like  compofition,  but  conceiuing, 

That  th'  period  of  thy  pleafure  was  in  hauing, 

And  that  thy  luft  was  but  defire  of  gaine, 

I  curb'd  my  selfe  that  I  fhould  be  fo  vaine. 

To  fpend  my  ftate,  my  ftock,  my  name,  my  nature, 

On  such  a  brittle,  fickle,  faithleffe  creature. 

Fond  was  my  iudgement  when  my  reafon  ftraid, 

To  foile  the  honourd  title  of  a  maide, 

With  brothell  greeting,  or  a  painted  trunke, 

A  rotten  Tombe,  a  Bafaliske,  a  Punke. 

For  tell  me  whore  ?  what  bewty's  in  thee  fhowne, 

Or  mouing  part  that  thou  canft  fay's  thine  owne  ? 

The  blufh  that's  on  thy  cheeke  I  know  is  made 

By  'th  Painters  hand,  and  not  by  nature  laid : 

And  that  fame  rofie-red,  and  lillie  white, 

Which  feemes  to  include  a  volume  of  delight, 

Is  no  more  thine,  then  as  it  may  be  faid  ; 

Faire  is  tJu  waineskote  when  it's  varnijhed. 

Yea  I  haue  heard  fome  of  thy  conforts  fay, 

Thy  night-face  is  not  that  thou  wearft  by  day. 

But 


154  The  Cony  burrow. 

But  of  a  different  forme,  which  vnderftood, 

Rightly  implies  too  faces  in  one  hood. 

Now  my  (prodigious/d^rp)  that  canft  take, 

Vpon  occafion  a  contrary  fhape. 

Thou  that  canft  varie  habits  and  delight, 

To  weare  by  day  what  thou  putft  of  at  night. 

Thou  that  with  tempting  motiues  of  despaire, 

Braiding  the  net-like  treffes  of  thy  haire, 

Smoothing  thy  brazed  front,  oyling  thy  skin, 

Taking  a  truce  with  Satan,  and  with  finne. 

How  canft  thou  thinke  that  I  will  loofe  the  light, 

Of  my  deare  foule,  to  pleafe  mine  appetite  ? 

How  canft  thou  thinke  that  for  a  moments  fweete, 

Wherein  the  height  of  pleafures,  forrows  meete. 

I  will  engage  that  effence  of  delight 

For  time  eternall,  meafure  infinite  f 

How  canft  thou  thinke  I  am  fo  void  of  fenfe, 

Or  blinde,  as  not  to  know  thy  impudence  ? 

True,  I  was  blind,  when  thy  fm-Syren  voice, 

Made  me  defpife  my  felfe,  and  make  a  choice 

Of  foules-feducing  Error  :  I  was  blinde, 

When  I  did  hope  contented  ioyes  to  finde 

In  fo  profane  a  couer  :  Blinde  was  I 

When  I  expected  ought  but  vanitie. 

In  fuch  an  odious  harbour  :  blinde  I  was 

To  looke  for  vertue  in  fo  vile  a  cafe. 

But  now  the  glorious  effence  of  my  foule 

Tels  me,  For  all  thy  vertue  thou  art  foule. 

Spotted  with  Ermins,  and  that  vanitie, 

Of  which  thar't  proud,  is  like  a  leprofie. 

Which 


The  Coniborrow.  155 

VVich  runnes  to  euery  vaine,  whofe  very  breath, 
Poifons  the  tutcher  with  infectious  death. 
For  whats  complexion  if  I  fhould  fpeake  true, 
(That  which  thou  wears  I  meane)  but  what  the  lew 
Of  lothfome  compofitions's  vfd  to  make, 
As  th'  fat  of  Serpents,  and  the  flough  of  fnakes, 
With  curfed  fpittle  or  fleagme  commixed  is, 
And  canft  thou  thinke  this  face  deferues  a  kiffe  ? 
No,  odious  Lecher  that  beflubbered  face, 
That  entertaines  no  figne  nor  ftampe  of  grace, 
That  fm-reflecTiing  eye,  whose  piercings  are, 
Wounds  to  the  soule,  and  to  the  mind  a  care, 
That  artificiall  blufh,  that  painted  cheeke, 
Which  neuer  feekes,  what  woman-hood  mold  seek, 
That  whorim  looke  drain'd  from  a  wanton  mind, 
Shall  make  me  hate,  where  I  was  once  inclin'd, 
Shall  make  me  hate  ?  O  that  I  did  not  hate, 
Before  this  time  :  but  forrow's  nere  too  late, 
If  feruent,  and  may  I  excluded  be, 
If  my  refolues  proceed  not  inwardly. 
Farewell,  but  well  I  doubt  thou  canft  not  fare, 
So  long  as  thou  doft  lodge  in  this  difpaire  : 
Preuent  me  then  the  caufe,  and  thou  malt  fee, 
The  effect  thereof  will  foone  preuented  be : 
Till  then  adew  :  for  till  that  time  I fweare  it, 
Thy  Connie-burrow  is  not  for  my  Ferret. 


Vpon 


156 


Vpon  a  Poets  Palfrey,  lying 

in  Lauander,  for  the  difcharge 

of  his  Prouender. 

An  Epigram. 

IF  I  had  liu'd  but  in  King  Richards  dayes, 
Who  in  his  heat  of  paffion,  midll  the  force 
Of  his  Aflailants  troubled  many  waies 
Crying  A  liorfe,  a  Kingdome  for  a  horfe. 
O  then  my  horfe  which  now  at  Liuery  ftayes, 
"  Had  beene  fet  free,  where  now  hee's  forc't  to  ftand 
"  And  like  to  fall  into  the  Oftlers  hand. 

If  I  had  liu'd  in  Agamemnons  time, 

Who  was  the  leader  of  the  Mirmidons, 

Mounting  aloft  as  wantons  in  their  prime, 

Of  frolike  youth,  planting  the  Graecians 

In  their  due  order,  then  this  horfe  of  mine, 

"  Had  not  bin  thus  confin'd,  for  there  he  might, 

"  Haue  fhowne  -himselfe,  and  done  his  matter  right. 

If 


The  Poets  Palfrey.  1 5  7 

If  I  had  liu'd  when  Pallas  horfe  was  made, 
Aptly  contriu'd  for  th'ruine  of  poore  Troye 
O  then  there  had  beene  doings  for  my  lade, 
For  he  had  beene  fole  author  of  annoy, 
Vnto  the  Troians  :  well  as  I  haue  faid, 
"  He  might  be  Pallas  horfe  in  legge  and  limme, 
"  Being  fo  neere  proportion'd  vnto  him. 

If  I  had  liu'd  in  Pafiphaes  raigne, 
That  lusty  Laffe,  in  pleafure  euer  full, 
And  perfect  dalliance  :  O  I  bleft  had  beene, 
"  She  fure  would  loue  a  horfe,  that  lou'd  a  Bull, 
And  better  might  it  with  her  honour  feeme. 
"  A  Bui's  too  fierce,  a  horfe  more  modeft  aye, 
"  Th'one  routs  and  rores,  the  others  anfwer's  ney. 

If  I  had  liu'd  in  Alexanders  age, 
Crowning  my  youth  'mongft  his  triumphant  heires, 
O  then  that  prince,  who  in  his  heat  of  rage, 
Bad  th'Macedons  get  ftallions  for  their  Mares, 
More  liuely  and  more  likely  would  not  gage, 
"  His  loue  for  nought,  to  fuch  as  mongft  the  reft, 
"  Would  bring  a  Stallion  that  could  doe  with  beft. 

If  I  had  liu'd  amongft  th'Amazonites, 
Thofe  Warlike  champions,  monuments  of  Fame, 
Trophies  of  Honour,  friends  to  choice  delights, 
Who  much  defired  to  propagate,  their  name, 
"  And  therefore  wifht  that  they  fo  many  nights, 

Might 


1 58  The  Poets  Palfrey. 

"  Might  haue  free  vfe  with  men,  in  due  remorce, 
For  want  of  men  would  take  them  to  my  horfe. 

If  I  had  liu'd  in  Phaeton  his  daies, 

When  with  vngiddy  courfe  he  rul'd  the  Sun, 

O  then  my  Palfrey  had  beene  of  great  prife, 

For  hee's  not  head-ftrong,  nor  would  haue  out-run, 

His  fellow-Horfes,  but  with  gentler  pace, 

As  foft  and  eafie  as  the  nimble  wind, 

He  would  with  hakney  pace  lagg'd  on  behind. 

If  I  had  liu'd  when  th'warre  of  Agincourt, 

Burnifh't  with  fhields  as  bright  as  Diamond, 

To  which  our  nobleft  Heroes  made  refort, 

O  then  my  Stallion  would  haue  kept  his  ground, 

And  beene  at  razing  of  the  ftatelieft  fort, 

In  all  that  Prouince  :  and  though  fmall  he  may, 

Yet  am  I  fure  he  would  not  runne  away. 

If  I  had  liu'd  but  in  Don  Quixotes  time, 
His  Rozinant  had  beene  of  little  worth, 
For  mine  was  bred  within  a  coulder  clime, 
And  can  endure  the  motion  of  the  earth, 
With  greater  patience  :  nor  will  he  repine 
At  any  prouender,  fo  mild  is  he, 
How  many  men  want  his  humility  ? 

If  I  had  liu'd  when  that  proud  fayry  Queene, 
Boafted  to  run  with  fwift  wingd  Zephints, 
Tripping  fo  nimbly  ore  the  leuie  greene, 

Of 


The  Poets  Palfrey.  1 59 

Of  Oetas  flourie  forreft,  where  each  bufti, 
Taxt  her  prefumption  :  then  my  Horfe  had  beene, 
A  Horfe  of  price,  O  then  he  had  beene  tride, 
And  to  no  manger  in  fubieclion  tide. 

If  I  had  liu'd  when  Fame-fpred  Tamberlaine 
Difplaid  his  purple  fignalls  in  the  Eaft, 
Hallow  ye  pamphred  lades,  had  beene  in  vaine, 
For  mine's  not  pamphred,  nor  was  ere  at  feaft, 
But  once,  which  once  's  nere  like  to  be  againe, 
How  methinks  would  hee  haue  fcour'd  the  wheeles, 
Hauing  braue  Tamberlaine  whipping  at's  heeles. 

If  I  had  liu'd  but  in  our  Banks  his  time, 

I  doe  not  doubt,  fo  wittie  is  my  lade, 

So  full  of  Imitation,  but  in  fine, 

He  would  haue  prou'd  a  mirrour  in  his  trade, 

And  told  Duke  Humphreis  Knights  the  houre  to  dine 

Yea  by  a  fecret  inftinc~t  would  had  power, 

To  know  an  honeft  woman  from  a  whoore. 

Well  theres  no  remedy,  fmce  I  am  poore, 
And  cannot  feede  my  horfe  as  I  defire, 
I  muft  be  forc't  to  fet  a  Bill  oth  dore, 
And  with  my  Bill  pay  for  my  horfes  hire, 
Which  once  difcharg'd,  He  neuer  run  o'th  skore  ; 
But  for  my  Bill,  (inuention  play  thy  part,) 
And  for  my  horfe-fake,  tell  men  what  thou  art. 

Heerejlands  a  beajl  that  eats  and  hds  no  teeth, 

Wiske 


160  The  Poets  Palfrey. 

Wiske  out  and  winches,  and  yet  has  no  tayle, 
Looks  like  Deaths-head,  and  yet  he  is  not  death, 
Neighs  like  an  AJfe,  and  crawleth  like  afnayle, 
All  bones  aboue,  no  belly  vnderneath, 
"  Legg'd  like  a  Cammell,  with  a  Sea-horfe  foote, 
"  So  bigg's  his  head  he  cannot  be  got  out. 

Now  generous  fpirits  that  inhabit  heere, 

And  loue  to  fee  the  wonders  of  this  Ifle, 

Compar'd  with  other  nations,  draw  but  neere 

And  you  fhall  fee  what  was  expreft  ere-while, 

Your  pay 's  but  pence,  and  that's  not  halfe  fo  deere, 

"  If  you  remember,  as  was  that  fame  toy, 

"  Of  Banks  his  horfe,  or  Fenners  Englands  ioy. 

What  would  you  fee,  that  may  not  heere  be  feene, 
A  Monfter  ?  Why,  its  heere  :  or  would  you  fee, 
That  which  has  erft  beene  fhowne  to  other  men, 
"  A  horfes  tayle  ftand  where  his  head  fhould  be, 
Lafle  you  muft  know  I  am  for  none  of  them, 
That  loue  fuch  nouelties  :  my  two  yeeres  fayle, 
Has  brought  a  winching  thing  that  has  no  tayle. 

Obferue  the  wonder,  it's  not  obuious, 

Nor  each  day  common  :  fee  now  while  its  heere, 

For  its  a  monfter  fo  prodigious, 

That  if  I  can,  I'll  hau't  fome  other  where, 

And  fhow  my  trauell  to  the  generous. 

"  For  know  my  monfter  doth  this  Jlable  hate, 

"  Hauing  a  headfo  great,  a  roome  fo  Jlraite. 

Why 


The  Poets  Palfrey.  1 6 1 

Why  crowd  ye  here  no  fafter  ?  'laffe  I  see, 
Becaufe  I  cannot  garnifh  out  my  port 
With  faire  infcriptions  grauen  curiouflie. 
"  Like  to  your  Mountebanke  or  Englifh  Foift. 
The  trifling  vulgar  will  not  come  to  me. 
Nor  vifit  my  ftrange  one  beaft :  let  them  paffe. 
My  Monfter^s  not  fet  vp  for  euery  Affe. 

It'  for  thefe  braue  renowned  Caualieres, 

"  That  craue  to  fee,  and  talke  of  what  they  fee  ; 

Nay  talke  of  more  then  either  eies  or  eares 

Were  witneffe  of.     Thefe  welcome  are  to  me, 

And  to  my  Monjler,  for  to  them't  appeares, 

"  And  to  no  others,  that  they  might  beget, 

"  More  gaine  by  th'  fight,  then  ere  I  gain'd  by  it. 

What  none  ?  no  Mandeuill  ?  is  London  growne 

To  furfet  of  new  accideats  ?  why  hoe, — 

Saint  Bartlemews,  where  all  the  Pagents  fhowne, 

And  all  thofe  acts  from  Adam  vnto  Noe 

Vs'd  to  be  reprefent  ?  canft  fend  me  none, 

Of  any  fort  ?  or  thou'ld  not  any  fpare, 

But  keepe  them  for  the  Pagents  of  thy  Faire. 

How  many  vfd  to  fwarme  from  Booth  to  booth. 
"  Like  to  Sclauonians,  when  with  famine  pinde, 
Going  like  Heards,  as  other  cattell  doth, 
Itching  for  news,  yet  neuer  more  inclinde 
To  heare  the  worft  :  where  now  is  all  that  froth, 
Of  crab-fac't  Raskals  ?  O  I  know  their  ftraine, 
"  The  Faire  being  done,  theyjleepe  till  faire  againe. 

M  If 


1 62  The  Poets  Palfrey. 

If  mother  Red-cap,  chance  to  haue  an  Oxe 
Rofted  all  whole,  O  how  you'le  flye  to  it, 
Like  Widgeons,  or  like  wild-geefe  in  full  flocks, 
That  for  his  pennie  each  may  haue  his  bitte : 
Or  if  that  limping  Pedant  at  the  ftocks, 
Set  out  a  Pageant,  whoo'l  not  thither  runne, 
As  twere  to  whip  the  cat  at  Abington. 

Ill-nurtur'd  Bowbies,  know  what  I  haue  heere 
Is  fuch  a  Monfter,  as  to  know  what  tis, 
Would  breed  amazement  in  the  ftrangeft  eare, 
But  vulgar  eyes  are  ayming  ftill  amiffe, 
To  whom  whats  onely  rare,  is  onely  deere. 
For  you  my  wonder  fleepes,  nor  fhall't  awake, 
Till  riper  wits  come  for  my  monfter's  fake. 

Farewell  vnciuill  Stinkards,  skum  oth  City, 
The  Suberbs  pandors,  boults  to  garden  Alleys, 
May  you  through  grates  fmg  out  your  doleful  ditty, 
For  now  my  Dragon-Monfter  fpits  his  malice, 
That  as  you  pitty  none,  fo  none  may  pitty, 
Your  forlorne  ftate  :  O  may't  be  as  I  pray, 
So  faddefl  night  may  cloud  your  cleereft  day. 
And  for  the  Ofller,  fmce  I  reape  no  gaine, 
Out  of  my  Monfter,  take  him  for  thy  paine. 
Yet  for  remembrance  write  vpon  this  fhelfe, 
Here  flood  a  Horfe  that  eat  away  himfelfe. 

Hymens 


Hymens  Satyre. 

DOn  Bajfiano  married  now  of  late  : 
Has  got  his  witlefle  pate  a  faire  eftate, 
I  ft  poflible,  Fortune  fhould  be  fo  blind, 
As  of  a  world  of  men  not  one  to  find, 
Worthy  her  training  in  her  thriuing  fchool 
But  an  admired  Wittall  or  a  Foole  ? 
It's  true  :  why  then  Fortune's  a  partiall  whoore, 
To  make  the  foolifh  rich,  the  wifeft  poore. 
Whence  we  obferue  (experience  teacheth  it) 
The  younger  brother  hath  the  elder  wit, 
Yea  by  example  inftanc'd  euery  where, 
The  Cockney-Cittie's  rich,  the  Suburbs  bare, 
O  then  I  fee  the  Goulden  age  begins, 
Whenfooles  are  mates  for  wifeft  Citizens. 


M  2 


164 


A    Marriage   fong   called   by   the 

Author  In  and  Out :   and  now  de- 

dicated  to  the  lately  converted  honeft- 

man,    W.  G.  and  his  long 

hue-crojfed  Eliza. 

The  Marriage  fong,  called 
In  and  Out. 

HAh,  haue  I  catcht  you  :  prethee  fweet-hart  fliow, 
If  fo  thou  canft,  who  is  in  Turne-ball  now  ? 
Doft  fmile  my  pretious  one  ?  nay  I  muft  know, 
There  is  no  remedy,  then  tell  me  how ; 
What  my  ingenuous  cheat,  doft  laugh  to  fee, 
All  former  iarres  turne  to  an  harmony, 
So  generally  applauded  ?  trew  thou  may, 
The  Night  is  paft,  and  now  appeares  the  day, 
Full  of  true  louifance  ;  long  was  thy  fuit, 
Ere  twas  effected,  being  in  and  out, 
Vowing  and  breaking,  making  many  an  oath, 
Which  now  I  hope's  confirmed  by  you  both. 
O  how  I  clip  thee  for  it  ?  fince  thy  name, 
Is  there  renued,  which  first  defam'd  the  fame, 
For  (heare  me  Bride-groom)  thou  by  this  malt  faue 
Thy  felfe  a  Title  :  I  will  raze  out  knaue, 

Difhoneft 


The  Marriage.  165 

Difhoneft  louer  :  vow  infringing  fwaine, 
And  fay  thou  ceaft  to  loue,  that  thou  againe 
Might  loue  more  feruent,  being  taught  to  wooe, 
And  wooing  doe  what  Silke-wormes  vfe  to  doe  ; 
Who  doe  furceffe  from  labour  now  and  then, 
That  after  reft  the  better  they  might  fpin. 

Spin  then  (my  pretty  Cobweb)  let  me  fee, 
How  well  thy  Bride  likes  thy  a6liuitie. 
That  when  fhe  fees  thy  cunning,  (he  may  fay  ; 
"  Why  now  I'me  pleas'd  for  all  my  long  delay  ; 
"  Play  that  ftroake  ftill,  theres  none  that  here  can  let 
"  For  non  there  is  can  better  pleafe  thy  Bettie.     (thee, 
"  O  there  (my  deere)  I  hope  thou'le  nere  giue  ore, 
"  Why  might  not  this  been  done  as  well  before  ? 
"  Nay  faint  not  man,  was  Bettie  fo  foone  won, 
"  That  her  fhort  pleafure  fhould  be  fo  foone  done. 
"  Nay  then  come  vp,  are  marriage  ioyes  fo  fhort, 
"  That  Maydenheads  are  loft  with  fuch  fmall  fport  ? 
"  This  if  fhe  fay  (as  this  fhe  well  may  fay) 

Like  a  good  Gamfter  hold  her  ftill  out  play. 
Firft  night  at  leaft  wife,  and  it  will  be  hard, 
But  fhe  will  loue  the  better  afterward. 
Whence  is  the  Prouerb  (as  it  hath  been  faid) 
May  dens  loue  them  that  haue  their  maydenhead: 

Come  then  my  lad  of  mettall  make  refort, 
Vnto  the  throne  of  loue  thy  Betties  fort. 
There  plant  thy  Cannon  fiedge  her  round  about. 
Be  fure  (my  Boy)  fhe  cannot  long  hold  out. 
ErecT:  thy  ftanderd,  let  her  tender  breft, 
Be  thy  pauillion :  where  thou  takes  thy  reft. 

M  3  Let 


1 66  A  Marriage  Sonnet. 

Let  her  fweet-rofie  Breth  fuch  ioyes  beftow, 

That  in  that  vale  of  Paradife  below, 

Thou  may  collect  thy  ioyes  to  be  farre  more, 

Then  any  mortall  euer  had  before. 

Yet  heare  me  friend,  if  thou  fecure  wilt  be, 

Obferue  thefe  rules  which  I  prefcribe  to  thee. 

Be  not  home  iealous,  it  will  make  thee  madde, 

Women  will  haue  it  if  it  may  be  had. 

Nor  can  a  iealous  eye  preuent  their  fport, 

For  if  they  lou't  farre  will  they  venter  for't. 

Suppofe  her  ftraying  beauty  fhould  be  led, 

To  the  embraces  of  anothers  bedde, 

Wilt  thou  AEleon-like  thy  houre-glaffe  fpend, 

In  moning  that  thou  neuer  canft  amend  ? 

No,  my  kind  friend,  if  thoul't  be  rul'd  by  me, 

Fde  haue  thee  winke  at  that  which  thou  doft  fee, 

fhading  thy  wiues  defects  with  patient  mind, 

Seeing,  yet  feeming  to  the  world  blind. 

For  tell  me  friend,  what  harme  is  there  in  it  ? 

If  then  being  cloyd,  another  haue  a  bitte  ? 

Which  thou  may  fpare,  and  fhe  as  freely  giue, 

Beleeue  me  friend,  thou  haft  no  caufe  to  greeue. 

For  though  another  in  thy  faddle  ride, 

When  he  is  gone,  there's  place  for  thee  befide, 

Which  thou  may  vfe  at  pleafure,  and  it'h  end, 

Referue  a  pretty  morfell  for  thy  friend. 

Let  not  thy  reafon  then  be  counter-bufft, 

Nor  thinke  thy  pillow  with  horne-fhauings  ftuft, 

I  ft  be  thy  deftiny  to  be  a  monfter, 

Thou  muft  be  one,  if  not,  how  ere  men  confter. 

Thou 


Epigrams.  167 

Thou  may  remaine  fecure,  exempt  from  fhame, 
Though  megre  Enuie  aggrauate  the  fame. 
For  this  has  been  my  firme  pofition  ftill, 
The  husbands  homes  be  in  the  womans  will. 


the  Marriage. 

THis  Marriage  went  the  neareft  way  about. 
Playing  now  vp,  now  downe,  now  in,  now  out, 
But  being  done  I  wifh  loue  may  begin, 
Now  to  be  neuer  out,  but  euer  in. 


An  Epigramme, 
Like  to  like. 

VPon  a  time  (as  I  informed  am) 
A  Sub-vrbs  Baud  and  Countrey  Gentleman, 
Comming  at  the  dore  where  I  doe  lie, 
A  gallant  rufling  wench  chanc't  to  paffe  by ; 
Which  th'  Baud  obferuing, — Sir  I  pray  you  fee, 
"  How  like  you  gallant  and  my  daughter  be. 
Indeed  they  much  refemble,  both  in  face, 
Painting,  complexion,  and  in  huffing  pace, 
Yea  I  mould  fay  nere  any  two  were  liker, 
If  this  be  as  thy  daughter  is  ?  ajlriker. 

M  4  Vpon 


1 68 


Vpon    the     commodious     though 

compendious  labor  of  M*.  Arthur  Standifh, 

In  the  inuention  of  planting  of  Wood. 

A  wood-mans  Emblealme. 


c 


Ome  Syluanes,  come  each  in  his  frejh  array, 
Andjing  his  name  that  makes  you  lookefo  gay, 
Euery  Braunch, 
Euery  fpray, 
Budds  as  in  the 
Month  of  May  e. 
Heere  the  mirtle  Venus  tree, 
TItere  the  Chejfenut,  wallnut  be, 
Heere  the  Medlar  fet  aboue, 
Intimates  what  woemen  loue. 
Lofty  pine, 
Fniitfull  vine, 
Make  afpring 
In  ivinter  time. 


The 


The  Woodman.  169 

The  naked  field  has  put  a  garment  on, 
With  leauy  Jhades  for  birds  to  peck  -upon. 
Now  Nemaea 
doth  appeare, 
Flower  embordered 

euery  where. 

Here  the  popular,  Alder  there, 
Witch-tree,  holy-thorne  and  Brere 
Here  thejhady  Elme,  andfirre, 
Dew  it,  tere-dijlilling  mirrh. 
Euery  cliff e, 
euerie  clime, 
Makes  afpring 
in  Winter  time. 

Wood-haunting  Satires  now  their  minions  feeke, 
And  hauing  found  them  play  at  Barley-breke. 
Where  delight 
makes  the  night, 
Short  (though  long) 
by  louers  Jight. 

Wher  Marifco  Fairies  Queene, 
With  her  Ladies  trace  the  greene  ; 
Dauncing  meafures,finging  layes, 
In  the  worthy  planters  praife  ; 
Standifh  fame 
each  voice  implies, 
Bliffe  to  Standifh 
Ecco  cries. 

Heere 


170  T/ie  Woodman. 

Hereftands  the  Wilding  on  the  Jleepie  rocke, 
The  Quince,  the  Date,  tJte  dangling  Apricock, 
Rough  Jkind'd  Peck, 

lip-died  cherrie, 
Melon  citron, 

Mulberie. 

Sallow,  Willow,  Mellow,  Birt, 
Sweete-breathd  Sicamour  and  Mirt, 
Heere  tJie  Plum,  the  Damfen  there 
The  Pujill,  and  the  Katlierins  peare 
Flowers  andfiourifh 

blownefo  greene, 
As  thefpring 
doth  euer  feeme. 

Tlie  brittle  AJhe  and  Jhade-obfcuring  Yewe, 
The  aged  Oke  clafpt  with  the  Misjletoe, 
Hawthornes  grow, 

one  a  row, 
And  tJteir  fweetejl 
fmels  bejlow. 

Roy  all  Palme,  Laurell  wreath, 
With  young  Ofiers  vnderneath, 
Loue-refembling  Box  tree  there, 
Flowrijhing  through  all  the  yeere. 
Seyons  young, 
tender  plants, 
Wltere  the  quire 
of  woodbirds  chants. 


Flora 


The  Wood-man.  171 

Flora  now  takes  her  throne  and  for  /he  knowes, 
Of  Standifh  care,JJte  decks  his  aged  browes  : 
With  crowne 
of  renowne, 
Monument 

in  time  to  come. 

That  what  he  hath  done  of  late, 
After  times  may  imitate, 

So  ivhen  al  our  Groues  grow  greene, 
Albion  may  a  Forrest  feeme, 
Where  ifjhe 
the  Forrejl  were, 
Standifh  would 
be  Forrejler. 

ThenJJiotild  no  gorfe  grounds,  furrie  whin,  or  Brire, 
Depriue  the  painefull plough  man  of  his  hire. 
Euery  field, 
then  Jhould  yield, 
Great  relief e 
to  Jhare  &  Jhield. 
To  the  Plow  Jhare  for  his  paine, 
To  the  Jhield  for  difcipline, 
Sith  the  firft  he  fows  and  reapes, 
And  the  last  defends  and  keepes. 
Standifh  giues, 
to  both  a  part, 
To  the  Gauntlet, 
and  the  Cart. 

Trees 


172  The  Wood-man. 

Trees  (Standifh  fates)  in  fummer  vpward  growe, 
In  winter  downe-ward  to  the  roote  belowe : 
This  I  know  not, 
but  I  know 
That  with  him 
it  is  not  fo. 

For  in  winter  of  his  time, 
Now  when  fap  gins  to  decline, 
Store  offcience  blojf/bme  out 
From  the  top  vnto  the  root : 
Root  of  age, 
toppe  of  youth. 
Winter  bearing, 
fummers  growth. 


To 


173 


To  the  truely  worthy,  the  Alderman 
of  Kendall  and  his  brethren. 

Sir  in  regard  of  due  refpect  to  you, 
(If  I  could  write  ought  that  might  yeeld  a  due, 
To  th'  Corporation  of  which  I  may  call, 
(And  dewly  to)  your  felfe  the  principall : 
I  fhould  defire,  if  power  were  to  defire, 
To  take  an  Eagles  wing  and  foare  farre  higher, 
Then  hitherto  my  weake  Mufe  could  attaine, 
But  'laffe  I  fee  my  labour  is  in  vaine ; 
For  th'  more  I  labour  to  expreffe  your  worth, 
The  leffe  I  able  am  to  fet  it  forth  : 
Yet  let  not  my  endeuours  fo  be  taken, 
As  if  with  power  my  will  had  me  forfaken  ; 
For  know  (though  my  ability  be  poore) 
My  good-will  vie's  with  any  Emperour. 
Yea  I  muft  write  and  though  I  cannot  fpeake, 
What  I  defire  yet  I  will  euer  feeke, 
T'  expreffe  that  loue  which  hath  been  borne  by  me, 
(And  (hall  be  ftill)  to  your  Society. 
Then  caufe  I  know  your  place  and  haue  an  ayme, 
To  fhewe  your  merits  in  a  fhadow'd  name  : 

I  muft 


1 74  The  Alderman  of  Kendall. 

I  muft  be  bold  (affection  makes  me  bold, 
To  tell  you  of  fome  errors  vncontrol'd, 
Which  to  your  beft  difcretion  He  referre, 
Hauing  full  power  to  punifh  fuch  as  erre. 
Firft  therefore  I  intend  to  fpeake  of  is ; 
Becaufe,  through  it,  there's  many  do  amifle, 
Is  Idleneffe,  which  I  haue  partly  knowne, 
To  be  a  vice  inherent  to  your  towne  : 
Where  errant  pedlers,  mercinarie  flaues, 
Tinkers,  and  Tookers  and  fuch  idle  knaues 
Are  too  too  conuerfant :  let  your  commaund 
Suppreffe  this  fmne  and  refufe  of  the  land, 
They  much  difparage  both  your  towne  and  you  : 
Send  tliem  to  tit  whipping-ftocke,  for  that's  their  dew. 
You  know  the  Lord  (whofe  will  fhould  be  obeid) 
Hath  in  his  facred  word  exprefly  fayd, 
That  thofe  which  wil  not  labour  they  fhould  flerue, 
(For  rightly  fo  their  merits  do  deferue. 
Yea  if  we  fhould  in  morall  ftories  fee, 
WJiat  punijhments  inflitted  vfe  to  be 
On  fuch  as  could  not  giue  accompt  what  they 
Did  make  prof  ej/ion  of  from  day  to  day  ; 
Yea  fuch  as  could  not  (upon  their  demaund 
Expreffe  how  they  did  Hue  vpon  their  hand  ; 
I  make  no  quejlion  (but  by  Pagans  care,) 
You  that  both  Magijlrates  and  Chriftians  are, 
Would  fee  your  Towne  (by  th'  punifhments  expreft) 
By  felfe-fame  cenfures  to  be  foone  redreft. 
And  this  fame  error  do  I  not  efpie, 
Onely  in  them,  but  in  the  younger  friet 

Who 


The  Alderman  of  Kendall.  175 

Who  in  their  youth  do  lauifh  out  their  time, 

Without  correction  or  due  difcipline  : 

Refpe6tleffe  of  themfelues  (as't  may  be  fayd) 

They  feeme  forgetfull  wherto  they  were  made  : 

O  looke  to  this  let  them  not  run  at  large, 

For  ouer  thefe  you  haue  a  fpeciall  charge ; 

And  if  they  fall  beleeu't  from  me  it's  true, 

Their  blood  will  be  required  of fome  of  you. 

We  reade  in  Rome  how  they  didjlill  retaine, 

Some  exercife  that  they  their  yotith  might  traine, 

In  warlike  difcipline  or  liberall  arts, 

Or  education  in  fome  forraine  parts  / 

So  as  in  time  as  after  it  was  Jhowne, 

Thefe  actions  gained  tJteir  Citty  great  renowne. 

But  whence  can  I  imagine  that  this  fin, 

Wherein  too  many  haue  been  nufled  in, 

Had  her  originall  but  from  that  ftaine 

Of  reputation,  and  the  worlds  baine, 

(Which  I  in  briefe  am  forced  to  expreffe,) 

To  wit,  tfiat  fwini/h  vfe  of  drunkennejfe  ? 

A  vice  in  great  requeft  (for  all  receiue  it) 

And  being  once  train'd  in't  there's  few  can  leaue  it ; 

How  happie  mould  I  in  my  wifhes  be, 

If  I  this  vice  out  of  requeft  could  fee, 

Within  that  natiue  place  where  I  was  borne, 

It  lies  in  you,  deere  Townes-men  to  reforme, 

Which  to  performe,  if  that  I  might  prefume, 

Or  fo  much  vnder  fauour  to  affume, 

As  to  expreffe  what  my  obferuance  taught  me, 

Or  bring  to  you  what  my  experience  brought  me, 

I  could 


176  To  the  Alderman  of  Kendall. 

I  would  make  bold  fome  outward  grounds  to  lay, 

Which  might  in  fome  fort  lye  an  open  way, 

For  rectifying  fuch  abufe  as  grow, 

By  this  foule  vice,  and  I  will  tell  you  how. 

There  is  no  meane  that  fooner  moues  to  good, 

If  that  the  fame  be  rightly  -under Jlood, 

Then  is  example,  for  it's  that  doth  moue, 

Such  firme  impreffion  as  we  onely  loue, 

What  greater  wittes  approue,  and  what  they  say, 

Stands  for  an  axiome  mongft  the  younger  aye, 

Which  by  the  Prouerbe  euery  man  difcernes, 

Since  as  the  old  Cocke  crowes,  the  young  Cock  learns  ; 

So  weake  is  youth,  as  there  is  nought  in  them, 

Which  they  deriue  not  from  the  Eldermen, 

Quickly  peruerted  (fo  depraud's  our  will) 

If  they  fee  ought  in  the  Elder  fort  that's  ill, 

And  hardly  (when  they'r  cuftomed  in  fmne,) 

Can  they  be  wain'd  from  that  they'r  nufled  in, 

But  if  they  once  perceiue  the  Elder  fort, 

Hates  vice  in  youth,  and  will  reprooue  her  for't 

If  they  fee  Vertue  honourd  by  tfte  Graue 

And  reuerend  Magistrate,  care  they  will  haue, 

To  re&ifie  their  errors,  and  reduce, 

Their  ftreying  courfes  to  a  ciuill  vfe. 

If  this  by  due  obferuance  doe  appeare, 

Methinks  you  that  are  Elders,  you  fhould  feare, 

To  a6l  ought  ill,  left  your  example  fhould, 

Approue  in  others,  what  fhould  be  contrould. 

And  ill  may  th'  Father  chaftife  in  his  fonne, 

That  vice,  which  he  himfelfe  is  guilty  on. 

Your 


To  the  Alderman  of  Kendall.  177 

Your  patternes  are  moft  obuious  to  the  eye, 
Of  each  vnfeafon'd  youngling  paffeth  by, 
Which  if  he  fee  defe&iue  but  in  part 
He  prefently  applies  it  to  his  heart  : 
For  Education  which  we  may  auerre 
With  that  diuinely-learn'd  Philofopher 
To  be  a  fecond  Nature)  now  and  then 
Doth  alter  quite  the  qualities  of  men,  (were, 

And  make  them  fo  transform'd  from  what  they 
(As  if  there  did  fome  other  men  appeare  : 
Yea  fo  far  from  their  Nature  they're  eftraung'd, 
As  if  they  had  been  in  the  cradle  chang'd  : 
And  of  this  fecond  nature  I  am  fure, 
Example  is  the  onely  gouernour 
Which  Plutarch  termes  th  Idea  of  our  life, 
Tymon  an  emelation  or  ajlrife 
We  haue  to  imitate,  that  what  we  fee, 
May  in  our  felues  as  well  accomplijht  bee. 
O  then  you  Presidents  (whofe  yeeres  do  giue 
To  moft  of  you  a  faire  prerogatiue) 
Reforme  your  felues  (if  you  fee  ought)  and  then 
You  better  may  reform't  in  other  men. 
As  you  are  firft  by  order  and  by  time, 
So  firft  inioine  your  felues  a  Discipline  ; 
Which  being  obferv'd  by  you  and  dewly  kept, 
You  may  wake  fuch  as  haue  fecurely  flept 
In  their  excefle  of  vanities  :  'mongft  which 
Let  me  (with  all  refpect  to  you)  befeech 
That  you  would  feek  exactly  to  redreffe, 
(That  brutifh  vice  of  beaftly  drunkennefle. 

N  And 


1 78  The  Alderman  of  Kendall. 

Andfirft  to  propagate  a  publique  good, 

BaniJKt  I  pray  you  from  your  brother-hood, 

For  diuerfe  haue  obferued  it  and  will ; 

(For  man  obferues  not  good  fo  oft  as  ill, 

What's  done  by  th'  Elders  of  a  Corporation, 

dues  vnto  other  men  a  toleration  : 

If  any  fuch  there  be  (as  well  may  be) 

For  that  vice  raignes  in  each  Society  : 

Firft  caution  them,  bid  them  for  fhame  refraine 

To  lay  on  Grauity  fo  fowle  a  ftaine ; 

Tell  them  much  happens  twixt  the  cup  and  lip, 

And  those  fame  teres  of  tlieir  good  fellow/hip, 

If  they  in  time  reforme  not  what's  amiffe, 

Shall  drowne  their  reeling  foules  in  hels  abijfe : 

Where  they  may  yaule  and  yarme  til  that  they  burft, 

Before  they  get  one  drop  to  quench  their  thirft, 

Since  th'punifhment  mail  be  proportion'd  there, 

To  that  delight  which  we  do  Hue  in  here. 

O  then,  for  Gods  loue,  bid  them  now  prepare, 

To  be  more  ftri6t  then  hitherto  they  were, 

Or  bid  them  haue  recourfe  vnto  their  glaffe, 

And  there  furueigh  how  fwiftly  time  doth  paffe, 

How  many  aged  Emblemes  time  doth  fhowe, 

In  thofe  fame  wrinkles  of  their  furrow'd  browe  ; 

How  many  motiues  of  declining  age, 

What  arguments  of  a  fhort  pilgrimage, 

How  many  meffengers  of  inftant  death, 

As  dropfie,  gout,  and  fhortnes  of  the  breath, 

Catarrs  defcending  howerly  from  the  head, 

Diftafte  of  meates,  wherein  they  furfeted  : 

And 


The  Alderman  of  Kendall.  179 

And  thoufand  fuch  proceeding  from  ill  diet, 
Nights  fitting  vp,  rere  bankets,  mid-dayes  ryet. 
But  if  thefe  doting  Gray-beards  I  haue  nam'd, 
Will  not  by  your  intreaties  be  reclaim'd, 
Then  I  would  wifh  (becaufe  thefe  vices  lurke) 
That  you  would  fall  another  way  to  worke, 
And  by  dew  cafligation  force  them  take 
Another  courfe  for  youths  example  fake  : 
For  thofe  that  will  not  now,  at  laft  repent 
After  fome  twice  or  thrice  admonishment, 
Derferue  a  punifhment,  nay  which  is  worfe, 
The  Churches  Anathema  or  that  curfe, 
Which  mail  lie  heauy  on  them  in  that  day, 
When  what  they  owe  they  muft  be  forc't  to  pay : 
But  fome  of  you  fuch  Reuerend-men  appeare, 
As  you  deferue  that  title  which  you  beare, 
Townes  Guardians,  protestors  of  our  peace, 
Andfole  renewers  of  our  hopes  encreafe, 
So  difcreete  andfo  temporate  withall, 
As  if  Rome  did  her  men  Patritians  cat, 
I  without  ajfentation  might  be  bolde 
To  name  you  fo,  nor  could  I  be  control d. 
Wherefore  I  need  not  feare  but  you  that  are 
Of  fuch  fincerity  will  haue  a  care, 
To  roote  out  thefe  (which  as  they  feeme  to  me) 
Be  maine  Corrupters  of  your  libertie, 
/  wifh  it  and  I  hope  to  fee  it  too, 
That  when  I  Jhall  come  to  re-vijit  it  you 
I  may  much  glory,  andfo  much  the  more, 
To  fee  them  good  that  were  deprau'd  before  : 

N  2  Nor 


180  To  the  Alderman  of  Kendall. 

Nor  doe  I  onely  fliadow  fuch  fhould  giue, 

Example  vnto  others  how  to  Hue  ; 

But  ev'n  fuch  vice-fupporters  as  begin, 

Brauado-like  to  gallant  it  in  Jin  : 

Thefe  are  incorrigible  faying  their  (late 

Tranfcends  the  power  of  any  Magiftrate  : 

For  why  they're  Gentlemen,  whence  they  alleadge 

They  may  be  drunkards  by  a  priuiledge  : 

But  I  would  haue  you  tell  them  this  from  me, 

There  is  no  fuch  thing  in  gentilitie, 

Thofe  that  will  worthily  derferue  that  name, 

Muft  by  their  vertues  character  the  fame  : 

For  vice  and  generous  birth  (if  vnderjlood) 

Differ  as  much  in  them,  as  ill  from,  good. 

Befides,  if  they  do  fnufife  when  they're  reproou'd, 

Or  feeme  as  if,  forfooth  their  blood  were  moov'd  : 

Tell  them  that  weake  and  flender  is  that  towne, 

When  fnuffes  haue  power  to  menace  iuftice  down  : 

Shew  me  true  Refolution,  they  may  know 

That  God  hath  placed  Magijlrates  below, 

Who  haue  power  to  controle  and  chaftice  fin,    (bin  :) 

(And  bleft's  that  town  where  fuch  commaund  hath 

For  tell  me,  if  when  great  men  do  offend 

Iuftice  were  fpeech-lefle,  to  what  efpeciall  end 

Should  lawes  enacted  be  ?  Since  they  do  take 

Nothing  but  Flies,  like  tti  webs  which  fpiders  make 

Where  fmall  ones  they  both  trine  and  puni/ttd  be, 

While  great  ones  breake  away  more  eajily  : 

But  rightly  is  it  which  tJiat  Cynicke  fayde, 

Who  feeing  iujlice  on  a  time  ore-fivaid, 

And 


jTo  the  Alderman  of  Kendall.          181 

And  ouer  bearded  by  a  great-mans  will, 
Why  thus  it  is,  quoth  he,  with  luftice  Jlill : 
Since  th golden  Age  did  leue  her,  for  atfirjl 
She  was  true-bred  andfcorrid  to  be  enforjl 
To  ought  but  right,  yea  fuch  was  Time  as  then, 
"  Things  lawfull  were  moft  royall  among  ft  men : 
But  now  Jhe  that  Jhould  be  ajharpe  edg'd  axe, 
To  cut  downe  all  Jin  's  made  a  nofe  of  waxe  ; 
Wherein  it's  luftice  (if  I  not  miftake  it) 
What  ere  it  be,  iuft  as  tJte  Great-men  make  it. 
But  Saturne  is  not  banifht  from  your  tovvne, 
For  well  I  know  there's  perfect  iuftice  fhowne, 
There  Ttiemis  may  be  fayd  to  haue  her  feate, 
Where  poore-ones  may  be  heard  as  well  as  great, 
There's  no  corruption  but  euen  weight  to  all, 
Equally  temper'd,  firme,  impartiall, 
Sincere,  Judicious,  and  fo  well  approu'd, 
As  they  that  iuftice  loue  or  ere  haue  lov'd, 
Are  bound  to  hold  that  Corporation  deere, 
Since  in  her  colours  (he's  prefented  there. 
Nor  do  I  only  fpeake  of  fuch  as  be, 
luftices  nam'd  within  your  libertie, 
But  of  thofe  men  wherewith  your  Bench  is  grac't 
And  by  Commiflion  ore  the  County  plac't 
There  may  we  fee  one  take  in  hand  the  caufe, 
Ferreting  out  thefecrecy  of  thlawes 
Anatomizing  euery  circumftance, 
Where  if  he  ought  omit,  it's  a  meere  chance, 
So  ferious  is  he,  and  withall  fo  fpeedy 
Asfure  his  Pater  nofter'-f  not  more  ready : 

N  3  Yea 


1 8  2          To  the  A  Iderman  of  Kendall. 

yea  I  haue  wondred  how  he  could  containe 
So  many  law-queries  infofmalla  braine, 
For  as  we  fee  full  oft  in  fummer  time, 
When  Sun  begins  more  South-ward  to  incline, 
A  Jhowre  of  haile-Jlones  ratling  in  the  aire  : 
Euenfo  (for  better  can  1  not  compare) 
His  lawe-exhaling  meteors)  would  he 
Send  out  his  Showre  of  law-termes  vfually  : 
So  as  I  thought  and  manie  in  thofe  places, 
That  it  did  thunder  lawe,  and  raine  downe  cafes. 
Yea  I  haue  knownefome  strucke  infuch  a  blunder 
As  they  imagined  that  his  words  were  thunder  ; 
Which  to  auoide  ( poor e  fnakes)fo  fear' d  were  they, 
As  they  would  leaue  the  Betich  andfneake  away. 
There  may  we  fee  another  fo  well  knowne 
To  penall  Jlatutes ;  as  there  is  not  one, 
(So  well  experienjl  in  them  he  does  make  him) 
Which  can  by  any  kinde  of  meanes  efcape  him. 
Bejides  for  execution  which  we  call, 
The  foueraigne  end  and  period  of  all ; 
Yea  which  may  truly  be  efteem'd  the  head, 
From  whence  the  life  of  lujlice  doth  proceed 
He  merits  dew  refpett :  witnejfe  (I  fay) 
Thofe  whipping-Jlocks  erected  in  thhigh  way 
Withjlockes  and pilleries,  which  he  hathfet 
To  haue  tJte  vagrant  Begger  foundly  bet : 
Nor  doth  he  want  for  any  one  of  thefe, 
A  Jlatute  in  warmejlore  if  that  he  pleafe  ; 
Which  on  occajion  he  can  well  produce, 
Both  for  himfelfe  and  for  his  Countries  vfe, 

An 


of  Kendall.  183 

Another  may  we  fee,  though  fpare  offpeech, 
And  temperate  in  difcourfe,  yet  he  may  teach 
By  his  effefluall  words  the  rajher  fort, 
Who  fpeakefo  much  as  they  are  taxed  for' t. 
Yeafo  difcreetly  fober,  as  I  wifh, 
Many  were  of  that  temper  as  he  is. 
For  then  I  know  their  motions  would  be  good, 
Nor  would  they  fpeake  before  they  vnderftood. 
Another  J "olid,  and  though  blunt  in  words, 
Yet  marke  him  and  his  countrey  curfe  affords 
One  more  iudicious,  pithy  in  difcourfe, 
Sound  in  his  reafons,  or  of  more  remorce, 
To  fuck  as  are  diftreffed,  for  he' I  take, 
The  pore  mans  caufe,  though  he  be  nere  fo  weake, 
And  much  haue  I  admir'd  him  in  Surueigh 
Of  his  deferts  Jhowne  more  from  day  to  day, 
That  hejhouldfo  difualue  worldly  praife, 
When  euery  man  feekes  his  ejleeme  to  raije. 
And  worthy ly,  for  neuer  nature  brought 
Foorth  to  the  world  a  manfo  meanely  wrought, 
Offuch  rare  workemanjhip  as  you  Jhall  finde, 
Inth  exquijite  perfection  of  his  minde. 
Yea,  if  too  partiall  thought  I  fhould  not  be, 
(In  that  he  hath  beenjlill  a  friend  to  me) 
I  could  exprejfefuch  arguments  of  loue, 
As  were  of  force  thobduratft  hearts  to  moue, 
To  admiration  of  thofe  verities  reft, 
Within  the  generous  table  of  his  breft, 
But  I  haue  euer  hated,  fo  has  hee, 
"  To  paint  mens  worths  in  words  offiatteric. 

N  4  yea 


184  To  the  Alderman 

Yea  I  doe  know  it  derogates  from  worth, 
To  haue  her  f elf e  in  colours  Jhadow' d  forth, 
Sith  vertue  rather  craues  for  to  be  knowen 
Vnto  her  f  elf  e,  then  vnto  others  JJiowen, 
Onely  thus  much  He  fay  ;  ordain' d  he  was, 
Euen  in  his  Cradle  others  tofurpajfe. 
Since  for  his  education  it  may  feeme, 
Being  in  mountaines  bred,  that  it  was  meane. 
But  now  of  fuck  an  equall  forme  combiride 
As  he  is  Jlrong  in  body  and  in  minde. 
Sincerely  honejl,  andfo  well  approu'd, 
As  where  he  is  not  known,  hee's  heard  &  lou'd, 
So  as  on  Mountaines  born,  his  thoughts  afpire, 
To  Sions  mount,  &  loues  triumphant  quire. 
Another  there's,  who  howfoere  he  feeme, 
In  tK  eie  offome  diftemper'd  iudgements  mene. 
In  vnderjlanding,  I  doe  know  his  wit, 
Out-Jlrips  the  moft  of  thofe  that  cenfure  it. 
Bejides  theres  in  him  parts  of  more  defert 
For  Nature  isfupplide  in  him  by  Art. 
And  wheras  fom  to's  wit  impute  the  wrong, 
I  rather  doe  impute  it  to  his  tongue. 
Since  well  I  know  by  due  experience, 
(At  fuch  times  as  he  deign' d  me  conference) 
For  reading,  profound  reafon,  ripe  conceipts, 
Difcourfe  of  Jlories,  arguing  of  eftates, 
Such  generall  iudgement  he  in  all  didjhow, 
As  I  was  wrapt  with  admiration,  how 
Me  could  ejleemfo  menely  (hairebraind-elues) 
Of  fuch  an  one  was  wifer  then  themfelues. 

Its 


of  Kendall.  185 

Its  true  indeed,  hee's  not  intemperate. 
(As  this  age  fajhions)  nor  opinionate, 
But  humble  in  his  iudgement,  which  may  be. 
Some  caufe  that  he  is  cenfur'd,  as  we  fee. 
Alas  of  grief  e,  nonejhould  be  deemed  wife, 
But  fuck  as  can  like  timifts  temporize. 
Expofe  their  reputation  to  thejhame 
Of  an  offenjiue  or  initirious  name. 
Whereas  if  we  true  wifdome  vnderjlood, 
We'd  think  non  could  be  wife  butfuch  wer  good. 
And  though  we  quejlion  thus,  a/king  what  ma  ? 
Vnleffe  he  be  a  polititian, 
Yet  pollicie  will  be  of  f mall  auaile, 
When  that  arch  polititian  Machauell, 
Shall  flame  andfrie  in  his  tormented  foule, 
Becaufe  to  th  world  wife,  to  heauen  afoole. 
Yea  I  doe  wijh  (if  ere  I  haue  afonne) 
He  may  befo  wife,  as  haue  wit  tojhun 
A  felfe  conceipt  of  being  foly  wife, 
In  his  owne  bleared  and  dim  Jighted  eies, 
For  then  I  know  there  will  in  him  apeare, 
A  Chriftian  zealous  and  religious  feare, 
Which  like  an  Angell  will  attend  himjlill, 
Mouing  to  good,  and  waine  him  from  whats  ill. 
And  far  more  comfort  Jhould  I  haue  of  him, 
Then  if  through  vaine  conceipt  he  Jhould  begin 
To  pride  him  in  his  follies,  for  by  them, 
We  fee  how  many  roote  out  houfe  and  name, 
Yea  of  all  vertues  which  fubjifting  be, 
None  makes  more  perf eft  then  htimilitie. 

Since 


1 86  To  the  Alderman 

Since  by  it  man  deemes  of  himfelfe,  and's  worth, 
As  of  the  vile/I  ivorme  the  earth  brings  forth. 

Which  difefteeming  I  may  boldly  name, 
More  noble  then  to  glorie  in  our  JJtame : 
For  it  doth  leade  vs  in  a  glorious  path, 

Withfafejl  conduct  from  the  day  of  wrath. 
When  ftandig  Tore  that  high  Tribunall  there 
We're  found  far  better  then  wee  did  appeare. 
And  fuch  is  hee-yet  haue  I  heard  it  vowde, 
"  Hee  has  not  witt  enough  for  to  bee  proude. 
VVheras  wee  know,  and  by  experience  fee, 
That  fooles  bee  still  the  proudeft  men  that  be. 
Nor  is  he  onely  humble,  for  I  heare, 
Of  other  proper  vertues  which  appeare 
In  his  well  tempred  difpofetion,  when 
I  hear  of  no  complaints  mongft  poorer  men, 

Who  are  his  tenaunts  for  he  has  report, 
Of  Jhewing  mercy,  and  is  blejfed  for't. 
And  is  not  this  a  poynt  of  wifedome,  fay? 
For  to  prouide  thus  for  another  day 
That  for  terreftriall  things,  hee  may  obtayne 
A  farre  more  glorious  and  tranfcendent  gayne. 
Sure  (I  doe  thinke)  there  is  no  foole  to  him, 
That  does  enrich  his  progeny  by  fmne, 
Makes  fhipwrack  of  a  confcience,  bars  himfelfe, 
Of  after  hopes  to  rake  a  little  pelfe. 
Ruines  his  foule,  and  ads  vnto  the  ftore, 
Of  his  accounts,  by  racking  of  the  pore. 
Whereas  ofth'  other  fide  hees  truely  wife, 
(Though  not  to  man,  yet  in  thalmighties  eies. 

who 


Of  Kendale.  187 

Who  pitty  and  companion  doth  profeffe, 
To  th'forlorne  widdow  and  the  fatherlefle, 
Does  right  to  all  men,  nor  will  make  his  tongue, 
An  aduocate  for  him  who's  in  the  wrong ; 
Accepts  of  no  aduantage,  which  may  feeme 
To  ftaine  his  confcience,  or  to  mak't  vncleane  : 
Hates  an  oppreffors  name,  and  all  his  time, 
Was  neuer  wont  to  take  too  great  a  fine. 
Beares  himfelfe  blameleffe  before  God  and  man. 
Hee's  truely  wife,  or  much  deceau'd  I  am. 
Indeed  he  is,  and  fuch  an  one  is  plaft, 
In  that  fame  Mirror  which  I  f pake  of  lajl. 
Who  without  aflentation  may  be  faid, 
To  haue  a  patterne  vnto  others  laid, 
In  actions  of  this  kind,  yea  I  may  fweare, 
Rather  for  thefe  refpe6ls  I  hold  him  deare, 
Then  for  his  ftate,  which  may  be  well  expreft, 
To  equall,  if  not  to  furmount  the  beft. 
But  I'ue  too  farre  digreft,  in  breefe  it's  he, 
Who  hates  the  leuen  of  the  Pharifee, 
And  (which  is  rare)  'mongft  richer  men  to  find, 
He  counts  no  wealth  like  th'riches  of  the  mind. 
How  happy  you  (Graue  Elders)  to  haue  thefe, 
Afliftants  in  your  peace,  meanes  for  your  eafe, 
So  as  their  ferious  care,  ioyn'd  to  their  powersr 
May  feeme  in  fome  degree  to  leffen  yours, 
For  powers  vnited,  make  the  army  ftronger, 
"And  minds  combin'd  preferue  that  vnion  longer. 
O  may  there  be,  one  mind  and  one  confent, 
(Cohering  in  one  proper  continent) 

One 


1 88          To  the  Alderman  of  Kendall. 

One  firme  opinion,  generall  decree, 

Amongft  you  all  concurring  mutually :  (fords, 

And  may  your  Throne,  which  fuch  good  men  af- 

Nere  fall  at  oddes  by  multiplying  words, 

Since  the  fpirit  of  contention  ftirres  our  blood, 

And  makes  vs  oft  neglecl:  a  publique  good. 

Thus  with  my  beft  of  wifhes,  I  will  end, 

Refting  your  euer  true  deuoted  friend. 


R.  B. 


1 89 


To  all    true-bred    Northerne    Sparks,  of 

the  generous  fociety  of  the  Cottoneers,  who 

hold  their  High-roadeby  the  Finder  of  Wake- 

field^tiiz.  Shoo-maker  of  Brandford,  and 

tlie  white  Coate  of  Kendall :  Light  gaines, 

Heauie  Purfes,  good  Tradings, 

with  cleere  Confcience. 

TO  you  my  friends  that  trade  in  blacke  and  white, 
In  blacke  and  white  doe  I  intend  to  write. 
Where  He  infert  fuch  things  are  to  be  fhowne, 
Which  may  in  time  adde  glory  and  renowne, 
To  your  commodious  tradings,  which  fhall  be 
Gracefull  to  you,  and  fuch  content  to  me, 
As  I  fhould  wifh,  at  lead  my  lines  fhall  tell, 
To  after-times,  that  I  did  wifh  you  well, 
And  in  my  obferuations  feeme  to  fhow, 
That  due  refpect  I  to  my  country  owe. 
Firfl  therefore  ere  I  further  goe,  He  proue, 
Wherein  no  leffe,  lie  manifeft  my  loue, 
Then  in  the  greatefl :  that  of  all  haue  beene, 
Shall  be,  or  are,  you  feeme  the  worthieft  men, 

And 


190  To  tlie  Cotteneers. 

And  this's  my  reafon  ;  which  may  grounded  be, 
On  the  firme  arches  of  Philofophy  ; 
We  fay,  andfo  we  by  experience  find, 
In  man  there  is  a  bodie  and  a  mind, 
The  body  is  the  couer,  and  in  it 
TJie  minds  internall  foueraignneffe  doth  Jit, 
As  a  great  Princejfe,  much  admired  at, 
Sphered  and  reared  in  for  chaire  offtate, 
While  th!  body  like  a  hand-maid prejl  f  obey, 
Stands  to  performe,  what  ere  her  miftreffe  fay. 
Yea  fame  compare  this  bodies  outward  grace, 
Vnto  a  dainty  fine  contriued  cafe, 
Yet  for  all  th  cofi  which  is  about  Iter  fpent, 
She  founds  but  harjh,  without  her  infirument, 
Which  is  tJtefoule :  others  refembled  haue, 
The  bodies  feature  to  a  fumptuous  graue, 
Which  garnifht  is  without  full  tricke  and  trim, 
Yet  has  nought  elfe,  butfctdls  and  bones  within. 
Otliers  compare  the  beauty  of  the  mind, 
To  pith  in  trees,  tJte  body  to  the  rind. 
But  of  all  others  have  bene,  be,  or  were, 
In  my  opinion  notie  doth  come  fo  neere, 
In  true  Resfmblanes  (nor  indeed  there  can) 
Then  twixt  tlie  mind  and  lining  of  a  man, 
For  its  the  inward fubjlance  which  to  mee, 
Seemesfor  to  line  the  body  inwardly, 
With  ornaments  of  vertue,  and  from  Jtence, 
As  Jte  excells,  we  draw  his  excellence. 
Then,  my  deere  countrimen,  to  giue  your  due, 
From  whence  comes  mans  perfection,  but  from  you 

That 


To  the  Cotteneers.  191 

That  doe  maintaine  with  credit  your  eftate, 

And  fells  the  beft  of  man  at  eafie  rate, 

To  wit,  the  minds  refemblance,  which  is  gotten, 

By  thofe  fame  linings  which  you  fell  of  Gotten, 

For  fee  thofe  thin  breech  Irifh  lackies  runne, 

How  fmall  i'th  waft,  how  fparing  in  the  bombe, 

What  lacke  a  Lents  they  are :  yet  view  them  when 

They  haue  beene  lin'd  by  you,  theyr  proper  men, 

Yea  I  may  fay,  man  is  fo  ftrange  an  Elfe, 

Without  your  helpe,  hee  lookes  not  like  himfelfe. 

Indeed  if  we  were  in  fome  parts  of  thofe, 

Sun-parched  countries,  where  they  vfe  no  clothes, 

But  through  the  piercing  violence  of  heat, 

Which  in  fome  places  is  intemporate, 

Th'  inhabitants  go  naked,  and  appeare 

In  grifly  fort,  as  if  they  frenticke  were, 

Then  you  that  make  vs  man-like,  mould  not  need, 

Nor  your  prof  "ejjion  ftand  in  any  fteed, 

For  why  ?  the  clymate  which  we  then  mould  haue, 

No  Bombaft,  Cotten,  or  the  like  would  craue  :    (them, 

Since  fcorching  beames  would  fmoulder  fo  about 

As  th'  dwellers  might  be  hot  enuffe  without  them. 

But  heer's  an  Ifland  that  fo  temprate  is, 

As  if  it  had  plantation  to  your  wifh. 

Neither  fo  hote,  but  that  we  may  abide, 

Both  to  be  clad  and  bombafted  befide. 

Neither  fo  cold,  but  we  may  well  allow  it, 

To  wearefuch  yarne,  a  blind  man  may  looke  through  it. 

Its  true  indeed,  well  may  it  be  confeft, 

If  all  our  parts  were  like  fome  womens  breft. 

Bared 


192  To  the  Coteneers 

Bared  and  painted  with  pure  Azure  veines, 

Though  of  themfelues  they  haue  as  many  ftaines, 

And  riueld  wrinkles,  with  fome  parts  as  badde, 

Then  th'  crooked  Greeke  Therfytes  euer  had, 

It  might  be  thought  your  gaines  would  be  fo  fmall, 

As  Ime  perfwad'd  they  would  be  none  at  all : 

But  thanks  be  giuen  to  heauens  fupernall  powers, 

Which  fways  this  Mafle  of  earth,  that  trade  of  yours, 

Hath  her  dependance  fixt  in  other  places, 

Then  to  be  tide  to  womens  brefts  or  faces. 

Let  Painters  and  Complexion  fellers  looke, 

To  their  crackt  ware,  you  haue  another  booke 

To  view  into,  then  they  haue  to  looke  in, 

For  yours's  an  honeft  trade,  but  their's  is  fin. 

Next  I  exprefle  your  worth  in,  fhall  be  thefe, 

Firft,  your  fupportance  of  poore  families, 

Which  are  fo  weake  in  ftate,  as  I  much  doubt  me, 

They  would  be  forc't  to  begge  or  ftarue  without  ye. 

The  fecond  is,  (wherein  you'ue  well  deferued, 

The  care  you  haue  to  fee  your  Country  ferued, 

Not  as  fuch  men  who  Hue  by  forraine  Nations, 

Impouerifhing  this  Land  by  tranfportations, 

For  their  depraued  Natures  be  well  fhowne, 

By  louing  ftrangers  better  then  their  owne  ; 

Or  as  it  feemes,  to  fucke  their  Mothers  bloud, 

Their  Natiue  Countrie  for  a  priuate  good. 

The  third  and  lajl,  which  heere  expreft  fhall  be, 

Shall  reference  haue  to  your  Antiquity, 

All  which  I  will  dilate  of,  and  though  I 

Cannot  defcribe  ech  thing  fo  mouingly, 

As 


To  the  Cotteners.  193 

As  I  could  wifh,  yet  take  it  in  good  part, 
Proceeding  from  the  centre  of  a  heart, 
That  did  this  taske  and  labour  vndertake, 
For  ywc  profejfion  and  your  countries  fake, 
Whofe  ayre  I  breath'd,  O  I  were  worthy  death, 
Not  to  loue  them,  who  fucKt  with  me  one  breath. 
How  many  Families  fupported  be, 
Within  the  compafle  of  one  Barronry, 
By  your  profeflion  I  may  boldly  fhow, 
(For  what  I  fpeake,  I  by  obferuance  know.) 
Yea  by  eye-witneffe,  where  fo  many  are, 
Prouided  for  by  your  peculiar  care, 
As  many  would  the  beggars  be  (I  wot) 
If  your  religious  care  releetfd  them  not. 
For  there  young  brats,  as  we  may  well  fuppofe, 
Who  hardly  haue  the  wit  to  don  their  clothes, 
Are  fet  to  worke,  and  well  can  finifli  it, 
Being  fuch  labours  as  doe  them  befit : 
Winding  of  fpooles,  or  fuch  like  eafie  paine, 
By  which  the  leaft  may  pretty  well  maintaine 
Themfelues,  in  that  fame  fimple  manner  clad, 
As  well  agrees  with  place  where  they  were  bred. 
Each  plies  his  worke,  one  cards,  another  fpins. 
One  to  the  studdles  goes,  the  next  begins 
To  rauell  for  new  wefte,  thus  none  delay, 
But  make  their  webbe-vp,  'gain/I  each  Market-day^ 
For  to  preferue  their  credit :  but  pray  fee, 
Which  of  all  thefe  for  all  their  induftry, 
Their  early  rifing,  or  late  fitting  vp, 
Could  get  one  bit  to  eat,  or  drop  fuppe. 

O  If 


194  To  the  Cotteneers. 

If  hauing  wrought  their  webbes,  their  forc't  to  ftand, 

And  not  haue  you  to  take  them  off  their  hand. 

But  now  by  th'way,  that  I  my  loue  may  fhew, 

Vnto  the  poorer  fort  as  well  as  you, 

Let  me  exhort  you,  in  refpecl:  I  am, 

Vnto  you  all  both  friend  and  Countriman, 

And  one  that  wifheth,  if  hee  could  exprefle, 

What's  wifhes  be  vnto  your  Trade  fuccefle, 

As  to  himfelfe,  thefe  pooremen  (vnder  fauour) 

Who  earne  their  meanes  fo  truly  by  their  labour, 

Should  not  (obferue  me)  bee  enforc't  to  wait, 

"  For  what  you  owe,  and  what's  their  due,  fo  late, 

Time  vnto  them  is  pretious,  yea  one  houre, 

If  idly e  f pent,  is  charges  to  t/te  poore : 

Whofe  labour's  their  Reuenue :  doe  but  goe, 

To  Salomon,  and  he  will  tell  you  fo, 

Who  willeth  none,  exprefly  to  fore-flow, 

To  pay  to  any  man  what  they  doe  owe, 

But,  if  they  haue  it,  not  to  let  them  ftand, 

Crauing  their  due,  but  pay  it  out  a  hand. 

Say  not  vnto  thy  friend  (faith  Salomon) 

I  haue  not  for  thee  now,  but  come  anon : 

For  why  Jhouldft  thou  that  Jiajl  wherewith  to  pay, 

Put  of  till  morrow,  what  thou  maift  to  day. 

Beleeue  me  friends  I  could  not  choofe  but  fpeake, 

And  caution  you  of  this,  for  euen  the  weake 

And  impotent,  whofe  foules  are  full  as  deere, 

As  be  the  Monarchs,  whifper  in  mine  eare, 

And  bid.mee  tell  you  yet  to  haue  a  care, 

Not  to  exprefle  their  names  what  men  they  are, 

For 


To  the  Cotteneers.  195 

For  then  they  doubt  that  you  to  fpite  them  more, 
Would  make  them  flay,  far  re  longer  then  before. 
That  you  would  fee  their  iniuries  redreft, 
Of  which  they  thinke,  you  were  not  yet  poffeft. 
But  in  transferring  of  the  charge  to  fuch, 
As  be  your  Factors,  which  haue  had  fmall  tutch, 
Of  others  griefes  :  your  felues  haue  had  the  blame, 
Though't  feems  your  Factors  wel  deferud  the  fame. 
Nor  would  I  haue  you  thinke  Ime  feed  for  this, 
For  they  do  plead  in  Forma  pauperis 
That  bee  my  Clyents,  yea  Ime  tied  too, 
In  countries  loue  to  doe  that  which  I  doe  : 
For  euen  their  teares,  mones,  and  diftreffed  ftate, 
Haue  made  me  for  them  fo  compaflionate, 
That  my  foule  yern'd  within  me,  but  to  heare, 
Their  mones  defpifd,  that  were  efteem'd  fo  deere, 
To  their  Creator,  fee  their  Image  then  ; 
And  make  recourfe  to  him  that  gaue  it  them, 
Whofe  manfion  is  aboue  the  higheft  fphere. 
And  bottles  vp  the  fmalleft  trickling  teare, 
Shed  by  the  pooreft  foule,  (which  in  a  word) 
Shall  in  that  glorious  fynod  beare  record  : 
Where  for  the  leaft  non-payment  which  we  owe, 
Shall  paffe  this  doome-Away  ye  curfed,  goe. 
But  I  do  know  by  my  Experience, 
The  moft  of  you  haue  fuch  a  Confcience, 
As  in  that  day,  what  euer  fhall  befall, 
Your  fmcere  foules  will  as  a  brazen  wall, 
Shield  you  from  fuch  a  cenfure  ;  for  to  me, 
Some  doe  I  know  bore  fuch  integrity. 

O2  As 


196  To  the  Cotteneers. 

As  I  dare  well  auow't,  tis  rare  to  find, 
In  fuch  a  crazie  time,  fo  pure  a  mind. 
But  now  I  muft  defcend  (as  feemes  to  me) 
From  the  releefe  of  many  Familie, 
By  you  fupported,  to  your  fpeciall  care, 
To  fee  your  country  ferued  with  good  Ware ; 
Which  of  all  others  (if  well  vnderftood) 
Seemes  to  haue  ayme  moft  at  a  publique  good. 
Well  it  appeares,  euen  by  your  proper  worth, 
That  you  were  borne  for  her  that  brought  you  forth, 
Not  for  your  felues,  which  inftanced  may  be, 
In  that  you  ayme  at  no  Monopoly, 
No  priuate  Jlaples,  but  defire  to  fell, 
(Which  of  all  other  feem's  approu'd  as  well,) 
Your  Ware  in  publique  places,  which  may  ftand 
No  more  for  your  auaile,  then  good  of  th'  land. 
Nor  are  you  careleffe  what  it  is  you  bring, 
Vnto  your  Country,  for  your  cuftoming, 
Dependance  has  vpon  that  due  efteeme, 
They  haue  of  you,  that  are  the  fame  you  feem, 
Plaine  Jwme-bred  chapmen  (yet  of  fuch  due  note) 
Their  word  is  good,  how  plaine  fo  ere's  their  coat. 
Yea  doe  I  wijh,  I  may  haue  fuch  as  they, 
Jngag'd  to  me,  for  they1 1  do  what  they  fay, 
When  Jilken  coats,  andfome  of  them  I  know, 
Will  fay  farre  more  then  ere  they  meane  to  doe. 
Therefore  it  much  concernes  you  to  produce, 
That  which  you  know  is  for  a  common  vfe. 
Not  for -the  eye  fo  much  as  for  the  proofe, 
For  this  doth  tend  moft  to  your  owne  behoofe  : 

Where 


To  the  Cotteneers.  197 

Where  Reputation  doth  fuch  cuftome  gaine, 

As  being  got  is  feldome  loft  againe. 

Yet  fure  methinks  my  Friends,  you  put  to  th'  venture, 

When  your  commodities  are  ftretcht  on  th'  tenter, 

So  that  as  I  haue  heard,  when  come  to  weting 

They  Jhrinke  a  yard  at  leajl,  more  then  is  fitting. 

Yet  doe  I  heare  you  make  excufe  of  this. 

That  for  your  felues  you  know  not  what  it  is  : 

And  for  your  FaElors  what  they  take,  they  pay, 

If  Shere-men  ftretch  them  fo,  the  more  knaues  they. 

It's  true  they  are  fo,  yet  for  all  you  vfe 

Thefe  words,  beleeu't,  they'l  ferue  for  no  excufe, 

For  if  you  will  be  Common-weales  men,  know, 

Whether  your  Shere-men  vfe  this  feate  or  no, 

Before  you  buy,  (which  found)  reprooue  them  then, 

Or  elfe  auoid  fuch  tenter-hooking  men. 

There  is  a  Gallant  in  this  towne  I  know, 

(  Who  damnd  himfelfe,  but  mojl  of  them  doe  foe) 

If  that  he  had  not,  to  make  cloake  audfuit, 

Some  thirty  yards  of  rug  or  thereabout, 

Yet  hardly  came  to  fifteene  afterward, 

It  had  beene  meafur'd  by  the  Taylors  yard. 

Now  was  not  this  too  monftrous  and  to  badde, 

That  it  fhould  leefe  full  halfe  of  that  it  had  ? 

I  know  not  what  to  thinke  (but  to  be  breefe) 

Either  the  Taylor  was  an  arrant  theefe, 

And  made  no  bones  of  Theft,  which  is  a  crime, 

Moft  Taylors  will  difpence  with  at  this  time  : 

Or  fure,  if  my  weake  wit  can  iudge  of  it, 

The  rugge  was  tentred  more  then  did  befit : 

O  3  But 


198  To  the  Cotteneers. 

But  you  will  fay,  the  Gallant  fure  did  lie, 

Faith  if  you  be  of  that  minde  fo  am  I, 

For  its  fcarce  poflible  fo  much  to  put, 

In  Cloake  and  fute,  vnleffe  heed  cloath  his  gut  ? 

(And  that's  of  th'  largeft  fize)  and  fo't  may  be, 

For  I'ue  heard  one  skild  in  Anatomic, 

(Auerr  thus  much  that  euery  gut  in  man 

For  at  that  time  his  lecture  then  began,) 

Was  by  due  obferuation  knowne  to  be 

Seauen  times  his  length:  fo  that  it  feemes  to  me 

If  this  be  true,  which  Naturalifts  doe  teach, 

The  Taylor  plaid  the  man  to  make  it  reach, 

So  far,  for  fure  the  yards  could  not  be  fmall, 

That  were  to  make  cloake,  fute,  cloath  guts,  and  all. 

But  I  doe  finde  you  guiltleffe,  for  I  know, 

As  to  your  Countrey,  you  your  Hues  doe  owe, 

If  priuate  harmes  might  propagate  her  good, 

(For  Countries  loue  extends  vnto  our  blood) 

So  there's  no  Commerce  which  you  entertaine, 

Aymes  not  in  fome  part  at  a  publique  gaine  ; 

And  that's  the  caufe,  Gods  blefimgs  doe  renew, 

Making  all  things  to  cotton  well  with  you. 

"  Now  to  the  third  Branch,  is  my  mufe  addreft, 

To  make  your  Trades  Antiquity  expreft, 

If  I  had  skill  but  rightly  to  define, 

Th'  originall  foundation  and  the  time, 

The  caufe  of  your  encreafe,  and  in  what  fpace, 

The  people  you  Commerft  with,  and  the  place 

Of  your  firft  planting,  then  it  might  appeare, 

Vpon  what  termes  your  priuiledges  were  : 

But 


To  the  Cotteneers.  199 

But  fo  onfuf'd  be  times  antiquities, 
As  it  is  hard  dire<5lly  to  fhow  thefe, 
In  what  efpeciall  fort  they  were  begun, 
(Yet  I  may  doe  what  other  men  haue  done) 
And  by  conie6lures  make  your  Trade  difplayd 
Speaking  in  Verfe,  what  fome  in  profe  haue  faide 
Some  are  opiniond  that  your  trade  began 
From  old  Carmentis,  who  in  colours  fpan 
Such  exquijit  rare  works,  as  ttt  webs /lie  wrought 
Were  farre  and  nere  by  forrain  nations  fought. 
And  as  it  may  in  ancient  writ  appeare. 
The  Phrigian  works  werefaidto  com  from  her. 
But  now  the  better  to  vnfolde  the  fame, 
Know  that  there  were  two  women  of  that  name, 
The  one  (for  Stories  manifejl  no  lejfe) 
Euanders  mother  was,  a  Propheteffe, 
Who  wrot  and  f pake  in  verfe  with  fuck  a  grace, 
Asjhe  renoumd  the  Countrey  where Jhe  was. 
The  other  was  a  Spinfter,  which  did  come, 
Along  with  Aquila  (when  he  from  Rome 
Marching  amaine,  lancht  forth  for  Britanie) 
Which  Coajl  Carmentis  did  no  fooner  fee, 
Then  Jhe  admir'd^or  well  Jhe  f  aw  by  vfe, 
Th'  inhabitants  would proue  indujlrious. 
So  as  in  thefe  dates  mde,  they  grew  in  time, 
Specially  Nooth-ward)  by  her  difcipline, 
To  become  ciuill,  and  where  prompt  to  doe, 
Any  fet  Tajke  this  Matron  put  them  to. 
Touching  the  place  where  Jhe  plantation  had, 
Diucrs  Hiftorians  hau+fo  differed, 

O  4  As 


2OO  To  the  Alderman 

As  hardly  iumpe  they  by  a  hundred  mile, 
And  therefore  difficult  to  reconcile 
Their  different  opinions  :  for  they  ftriue, 
Among  ft  themfelues,  &  aske  wher  Jhes'd  ariue  ? 
Since  it  appeares  when  Aquila  came  aJJiore, 
Saue  3  or  4  choice  dames,  there  were  no  more. 
Of  woman  kinde  with  him  :  for  he  was  loath, 
To  Jhip  fuch  old  hags,  were  not  for  his  tooth, 
And  therefore  fuch  as  bewty  did  adorne,  (turne 
Wer  Jhipt  with  him  :  for  they  would  ferue  his 
To  reconcile  thefe  doubts,  which  feems  a  woder, 
Know  that  his  fleet  deuided  was  afunder. 
And  driue  to  fundry  creeks,  fom  Eaft,y^;«  weft, 
Som  North,  fom  South  ;  forfo  they  wer  diftreft. 
By  aduerfe  winds  (as  forced  from  togetJier) 
TJiey  were  difperft,  tliey  knew  not  wJtere,  nor  whither. 
In  which  aufpiciotis  tempeft,  happy  ftr ay, 
For  happy  was  that  tempeft  may  you  fay, 
This  modeft  matron  with  an  heauy  Jieart, 
Reft  of  her  friends  ariued  ith  North  part, 
With  fom  young  maids  which  Aquila  did  minde 
To  bring  along  to  keepe  his  men  in  winde. 

The  Port  whenjhe  ariud(as't  feemes  to  me, 
For  I  doe  ground  on  probability, 
Drawne  from  the  clime  &  Ports  defcription) 
Was  the  rich  hauen  of  ancient  VVorkington, 
Whofeftately  profpeft  merits  honours  fame, 
In  nought  more  noble  than  a  Curwens  name. 
A  nd  long  may  it  referue  that  name  whofe  worth, 
Hath  many  knigJitsfrom  that  defcent  brought  forth, 

For 


of  Kendall.  201 

For  if  to  blaze  true  fame  (I  ere  haue  skill), 
In  Bouskill  ioynd  with  Curweny7z0wY  /  will. 
Carmentis  thus  ariud  did  trauaile  on 
To  find  finde  fome  place  fit  for  plantation  : 
For  then  that  Coaft  as  we  injlories  reade, 
Lay  wholy  waft,  and  was  unpeopled. 
Where  in  her  progrejfe  by  the  way  Jhe  came, 
She  gaue  to  fundry  places  different  name. 
"  Mongft  which  her  owne  name,  whence  it  is  they  fay, 
Cartmell  or  Carment-hill  holds  to  this  day 
Her  Appelation  .•  and  now  neere  an  end 
Of  her  fet  tourney,  as  Jhe  did  defcend 
D  owne  from  the  neighbouring-  Mountaines,  Jhe  might 
A  woody  vale,  Jeafd  deliciotijly,  (fpie, 

Through  which  a  pleafant  Riuer  feemd  to  glide, 
V  Vhich  did  this  -vale  in  equall parts  deuide, 
This  haidngjpide,  (on  Stauelaies  Cliffes  they  fay) 
She  laid  her  ftaffe,  whence  comes  the  name  Staff e-lay. 
Corruptly  Staulay,  where  Jhe  Jlaid  a  Jpace, 
But  feeing  it  a  mojl  notorious  place, 
And  that  tlie  trades  men  were  Jo  gitien  totK  Pot, 
That  they  would  drinke  far  more  then  ere  they  got. 
She  turnd  from  thence,  yet  left  fame  Maids  behinde. 
TJiat  might  acquaint  tJiem  in  this  wool  worke  kinde. 
V  Vhilejhe  did  plant,  as  ancient  Records  be, 
Neerer  to  Kendall  in  tti  Barronrie. 
Thus  haue  I  drawne  your  linage  as  it  was, 
For  other  Accidents  I  let  them  paffe, 
Onely  fuch  things  as  moft  obferuant  were, 
(As  the  erection  of  your  Sturbidge  faire. 

I 


2O2  To  the  Cottiners. 

I  thought  to  fliadow  briefely,  which  began, 
On  this  occafion  by  a  Kendall  man, 

Who  camming  vp  or  downe  I  know  not  well, 
Brought  his  commodities  that  way  to  fell : 

Where  being  benighted,  tooke  no  other  Jhield, 
To  lodge  him  and  his  ware  tJien  th  open  field  : 
A  Maftiffe  had  Jie,  or  a  mungrill  Cur, 

Which  hejlill  cride  and  cald  on,  Stur-bitch  ftur, 
Leajl  miching  knaues  now  fore  thefpring  of  day, 
Should  come  perchance,  and  filch  his  ware  away. 
From  hence  they  fay  tooke  Sturbidge  firft  her  name, 
Which  if  fhe  did,  (he  neede  not  think't  a  fhame, 
For  noble  Princes,  as  may  inftanc'd  be, 
From  Braches  had  their  names  as  well  as  fhe  : 
Such  Romulus  and  Remus  were,  whofe  name 
Tane  from  a  fhe-  Wolfes  dug,  raifd  Romes  firft  fame, 
Yea  Cyrus  which  's  as  ill,  (if  not  far  worfe,) 
Had  but  a  Bitch  (cal'd  Spacon)  for  his  nurfe. 
For  in  defcents,  it  is  our  leaft  of  care, 
To  aske  what  men  once  were,  but  what  they  are. 
Sith  great  eftates,yea  Lordjhips  raifd  we  fee, 
(AndfoJJiallftill)fromtti  ranke  of  beggarie. 
Yea  Peafants  (fuch  hath  been  their  happy  fate) 
Without  defert  haue  come  to  great  eftate, 
For  true  it  is  was  faid  fo  long  agon, 
A  paltry  Sire  may  haue  a  Princely  Sonne. 
"  But  haft  my  Mufe  in  colours  to  difplay, 
Some  auncient  cuftomes  in  their  high  roade  way, 
By  which  thy  louing  Countrey  men  doe  paffe, 
Conferring  that  now  is,  with  which  once  was, 

At 


To  the  Cotteneers.  203 

At  leaft  fuch  places  labour  to  make  knowne, 

As  former  times  haue  honour'd  with  renowne. 

So  by  thy  true  relation  't  may  appeare 

They  are  no  others  now,  then  as  they  were, 

Euer  efteem'd  by  auntient  times  records, 

Which  fhall  be  fhadow'd  briefly  in  few  words. 

The  firft  whereof  that  I  intend  to  fhow, 

Is  merry  Wakefield  and  her  Pindar  too ; 

Which  Fame  hath  blaz'd  with  all  that  did  belong, 

Vnto  that  Towne  in  many  gladfome  fong  : 

The  Pindars  valour  and  how  firme  he  ftood, 

In  th'  Townes  defence  'gainft  th'  Rebel  Robin-hood, 

How  ftoutly  he  behav'd  himfelfe,  and  would, 

In  fpite  of  Robin  bring  his  horfe  to  th'  fold, 

His  many  May  games  which  were  to  be  feene, 

Yeerely  prefented  vpon  Wakefield  greene, 

Where  louely  lugge  and  luftie  Tib  would  go, 

To  fee  Tom-liuely  turne  vpon  the  toe ; 

Hob,  Lob,  and  Crowde  the  fidler  would  be  there, 

And  many  more  I  will  not  fpeake  of  here  : 

Good  god  how  glad  hath  been  this  hart  of  mine 

To  fee  that  Towne,  which  hath  in  former  time, 

So  florim'd  and  fo  gloried  in  her  name, 

Famous  by  th'  Pindar  who  firft  rais'd  the  fame  ? 

Yea  I  haue  paced  ore  that  greene  and  ore, 

And  th'  more  I  faw't,  I  tooke  delight  the  more, 

"  For  where  we  take  contentment  in  a  place, 

"  A  whole  daies  walke,  feemes  as  a  cinquepace  : 

Yet  as  there  is  no  folace  vpon  earth, 

Which  is  attended  euermore  with  mirth  : 

But 


204  To  the  Cotteneers. 

But  when  we  are  tranfported  mod  with  gladnefle, 

Then  fuddenly  our  ioyes  reduc'd  to  fadnefle, 

So  far'd  with  me  to  fee  the  Pindar  gone, 

And  of  thofe  iolly  laddes  that  were,  not  one 

Left  to  furuiue  :  I  griev'd  more  then  He  fay, 

(But  now  for  Brad-ford  I  muft  haft  away). 

Brad-ford  if  I  mould  rightly  fet  it  forth, 

Stile  it  I  might  Banberry  of  the  North, 

And  well  this  title  with  the  Towne  agrees, 

Famous  for  twanging,  Ale,  Zeale,  Cakes  and  Cheefe : 

But  why  Jhould  I  fet  zeale  behinde  their  ale  f 

Becaufe  zeale  is  for  fome,  but  ale  for  all ; 

Zealous  indeed  fome  are  (for  I  do  hearet 

Of  many  zealous  fempring  Jifter  there) 

Who  loue  their  brot/ter,  from  their  heart  iffaith. 

For  it  is  charity,  as  fcripture  faith, 

But  I  am  charm'd,  God  pardon  what's  amifle, 

For  what  will  th'  wicked  fay  that  heare  of  this, 

How  by  fome  euill  brethren  't  hath  been  fed, 

T/i'  Brother  was  found  in  's  zealous  Jifter s  bed? 

Vnto  thy  taske  my  Mufe,  and  now  make  knowne, 

The  iolly  moo-maker  of  Brad-ford  towne, 

His  gentle-craft  fo  rais'd  in  former  time 

By  princely  lourney-men  his  difcipline, 

"  VVhere  he  was  wont  with  paflengers  to  quaffe, 

"  But  fuffer  none  to  carry  vp  their  ftaffe 

Vpon  their  moulders,  whilft  they  paft  through  town 

For  if  they  did  he  foon  would  beat  them  downe. 

(So  valiant  was  the  Souter)  and  from  hence, 

Twixt  Robin-hood  and  him  grew  th'  difference ; 

Which 


To  the  Cotteneers.  205 

Which  caufe  it  is  by  moft  ftage-poets  writ, 

For  breuity,  I  thought  good  to  omit, 

"  Defcending  thither  where  moft  bound  I  am, 

"  To  Kendall-white-coates,  where  your  trade  began. 

Kendall  (to  which  I  all  fucceffe  do  wifh) 

May  termed  be  that  parts  Metropolis, 

For  feate  as  pleafant,  as  the  moft  that  are, 

Inftanc't  in  th'  ruin'd  Caftle  of  Lord  Par. 

(For  feate  imparaled) ;  where  we  may  fee, 

"  Great  men  to  fall  as  fubiect  are  as  we : 

Yea  there  (as  in  a  mirror)  may  be  fhowen, 

The  Subiects  fall  refts  in  the  Soueraigne's  frowne. 

Many  efpeciall  bleffings  hath  the  Lord, 

Pour'd  on  this  Towne,  for  what  doth't  not  afford 

(If  neceffary  for  mans  proper  vfe) 

Sufficient,  if  not  fuperfluous  ? 

Yea  I  dare  fay  (for  well  it  doth  appeare) 

That  other  places  are  more  bound  to  her, 

Then  fhe  to  any,  there's  no  Towne  at  all, 

(Being  for  compaffe  fo  exceeding  fmall, 

For  commerce  halfe  fo  great,  nor  is  there  any 

That  doth,  confort  in  trafficke,  with  fo  many. 

But  to  her  priuate  bleffings,  for  pure  aire, 

Sweet  holefome  water,  fhe  may  make  compare 

With  any  clime,  for  aire  nor  piercing  is, 

Nor  in  her  temprate  brething,  too  remiffe  : 

For  water,  Kent,  whence  Kendall  takes  her  name, 

VVhofe  fpring  (from  Kent-mere)  as  they  fay,  is  tane  : 

Swift  is't  in  pace,  light-poiz'd,  to  looke  in  cleere, 

And  quicke  in  boiling  (which  efteemed  were) 

Such 


206  To  the  Coteneers. 

Such  qualities,  as  rightly  vnderftood 

Without  'en  thefe,  no  water  could  be  good. 

For  Wood  (how  well  fhe  was  in  fore-time  growne) 

May  foone  appeare  by  th'  ftore  that  is  cut  downe, 

Which  may  occafion  griefe,  when  we  fhall  fee 

What  want  fhall  be  to  our  pofteritie : 

Yet  who  feekes  to  preuent  this  furely  none, 

Th'  old  prouerbe's  in  requeft,  each  man  for  one, 

While  each  for  one,  one  plots  anothers  fall, 

"  And  few  or  none  refpeft  the  good  of  all. 

But  of  all  bleffings  that  were  reckoned  yet, 

In  my  opinion  there  is  none  fo  great, 

As  that  efpeciall  one  which  they  receiue, 

By  th!  graue  and  reuerend  Pajlor  which  they  Jtaue  ; 

Whofe  life  and  doctrine  are  fo  ioint  together, 
(As  bothjincere,  there's  no  defect  in  eitJier,) 
For  in  him  both  Urim  and  Thummim  be, 
O  that  we  had  more  Paftorsfuch  as  he  : 
For  then  in  Sion  Jhould  Godsflocke  encreafe, 
"  Hauingfuch  Shepheards  would  not  flea  but  fleece  ; 
Thus  what  wants  Kendal  that  Jhe  can  defire, 
Tyre'j  her  Paflor,  and  her  f elf e  is  Tyre, 
He  to  mijlrust  her  people,  Jhe  to  bring, 

Wealth  to  her  Towne  by  forraine  trafficking? 
Now  muft  I  haue  the  White-coates  vnder-hand 
Who  were  in  fore-time  a  defence  to  th'  land: 
Yea  fuch  they  were,  as  when  they  did  appeare, 
They  made  their  foes  perfume  their  hofe  for  feare, 
Experienft  Archers,  and  fo  pra6lis'd  it, 
As  they  would  feldome  (hoot  but  they  would  hit. 

So 


To  the  Cotteneers.  207 

So  that  though  th'darters  of  rude  Scythia, 

The  golden-Archers  of  rich  Per/la, 

The  Siluer-Jhields  of  Greece  haue  borne  the  name, 

Blaz'd  by  the  partiall  trumpe  of  lying  fame. 

Yet  in  behalfe  of  Kendall  (I  durft  fweare  it) 

For  true  renovvne  thefe  Countries  came  not  nere  it, 

As  for  this  name  of  White-coate  vs'd  to  fore 

It  came  from  th'  milk-white  furniture  they  wore  (lows 

And  in  good-footh  they  were  but  home-fpun  fel- 

"  Yet  would  thefe  white-coats  make  their  foes  dy  yel- 

VVhich  might  by  latter  times  be  inftanced,        (lows, 

Euen  in  thofe  border-feruices  they  did  : 

But  this  t'exprefle  (fmce  it  is  knowne)  were  vaine, 

Therefore,  my  friends,  He  turne  to  you  againe, 

And  of  fome  fpeciall  matters  caution  you, 

Which  being  done  He  bid  you  all  adew  : 

Since  God  hath  bleft  you  with  fuch  benefits, 

As  the  reliefe  of  nature  well  befits, 

Hauing  of  euery  thing  fufficient  (lore, 

There's  reafon  (Country-men)  you  render  more 

To  your  Creator,  who  fo  kinde  has  been, 

To  you  and  yours  aboue  all  other  men  : 

(Though  all  (I  fay)  fhould  thankfull  be)  then  fuch 

VVho  nere  receiued  of  him  halfe  fo  much, 

For  well  you  know  its  in  the  Scripture  faid, 

Accompt  for  euerie  Talent  muft  be  made, 

And  how  much  more  our  Talents  are,  fhall  we 

After  this  life  exacl:  Accomptants  be : 

Be  good  difpencers  then  of  what  you  haue, 

And  doe  not  fhut  your  Eares  to  fuch  as  craue 

yet 


208  To  the  Cotteneers. 

Your  charities  Reliefs  (for  in  a  word) 

What  you  giue  th'  poore,  you  lend  vnto  the  Lord, 

And  be  you  fure,  your  loue  is  not  in  vaine, 

For  with  encreafe  hele  pay  it  you  againe  : 

Put  not  your  labourer  off  with  long  delay, 

But  fatisfie  him  if  you  can  this  day, 

For  pittie  'tis,  poore  foule,  that  he  fhould  fit 

Waiting  your  time  when  he  hath  earned  it. 

And  this  belieue  me  many  crimes  produces, 

"  Teeming  of  tenters  and  fuck  like  abufes 

Which  they  are  forc't  to,  caufe  they  are  delaide 

Working  for  more,  then  ere  they  can  be  paide  : 

Be  not  too  rigorous  vnto  your  debtor, 

(If  he  be  poore)  forbearance  is  far  better, 

For  'lafle  what  gaine  accrewes  to  you  thereby, 

If  that  his  carkafle  doe  in  prifon  lie  : 

Yea,  if  you  kept  his  bodie  till  't  fhould  rot, 

Th'  name  of  hard-hearted  men  were  all  you  got. 

And  fure,  if  my  opinion  faile  not  me, 

T'  imprifon  debtors  ther's  no  policie, 

Vnleffe  they  able  be  and  obftinate, 

And  like  our  Bank-rupts  break  t'  encreafe  their  ftate, 

For  th'  poore  they  better  may  difcharge  their  debt 

When  they  're  at  libertie  and  freedome  get, 

For  labour  may  they  when  they  are  inlarg'd, 

But  when  they  die  in  prifon  atts  difc/iarg'd, 

O  then  (my  friends)  if  you  haue  fuch  as  thefe  : 

Remember  to  forgiue  your  trefpafles, 

At  leaft  be  not  extreame  to  th'  poor'ft  of  all, 

"  Giue  him  but  time  and  he  will  pay  you  all. 

So 


To  the  Lanf-lord.  209 

So  Time  fhall  crown  e  you  with  an  happy  end, 
And  confummate  the  wifhes  of  a  friend.  (fure 

So  each  (through  peace  of  confciece)  rapt  with  plea- 
Shall  ioifully  begin  to  dance  his  meafure. 
"  One  footing  attiuely  Wilfons  delight, 
"  Defcanting  on  this  note,  I  haue  done  what's  right, 
"Another  toying  to  benam'd  'mongjlthem, 
"  Were  made  Men-fijhers  of  poore  fiflier-men. 
"  The  third  as  blith  as  any  tongue  can  tell, 
"  Becaufe  he's  found  a  fait/if ull  Samuel. 
"  The  fowrth  is  chanting  of  his  Notes  as  gladly, 
"Keeping  the  tune  for  th  honour  of  Arthura  Bradly. 
The  $.fo  pranke,  he  fear ce  can  Jland  on  ground, 
Asking  who'lefing  with  him  Mai  Dixons  round? 
But  where  haue  been  my  fences  all  this  while, 
That  he  (on  whom  prof perity  doth  f mile) 
And  many  parts  of  eminent  refpetl. 
Should  be  forgotten  by  my  Jlrange  neglecl.  ? 
Take  heede  my  Mufe  leaft  thou  ingratefull  be, 
For  well  thou  knowes  he  better  thinkes  of  tJiee : 
On  then  (I  fay]  exprejfe  what  thou  doft  wifh, 
And  tell  the  woreld  truely  what  he  is : 
He's  one  has  Jhar'd  in  Nature  fpeciall part, 
And  though  beholding  little  vnto  art, 
Yet  beare  his  words  more  emphajis  or  force, 
Then  mojl  of  tKSchollers  that  I  heare  difcourfe, 
His  word  keeps  tutch  (and  of  all  men  I  know) 
He  has  tKbeft  injideforfo  meane  ajhewe, 
Outwardly  bearing,  temperate,  yet  will  be 
A  bonus  focius  in  good  company. 

P  Hee 


210 


To  the  Cotteneers. 


He  vnderjlands  himfelfe  (as  I  hautfayd) 

And  therefore  aymes  wJiereto  he  firjl  was  made, 

In  brief e  ^mongft  all  men  that  deferue  applauding, 

None  (hauing  lejje  of  A  rt}  merits  more  lauding : 

So  that  though  true  defert  crowne  all  the  reft, 

Yet  if  ought  want  in  them  its  here  expreft  ; 

But  th'Euening  fhade  drawes  on,  and  damps  the  light 

"  Think  friends  on  what  I  fayd,  and  fo  good  night. 


To  the  Worfhipfull  Recorder 
of  Kendall. 

FOr  Townes-abufes  (worfhipfull  Recorder) 
I  leaue  them  to  your  difcreet  felfe  to  order  : 
My  Journey's  at  an  end  ;  hie  baculumfixi, 
My  Tale  concluded,  nought  now  refts  but  Dixi. 
Nor  would  I  haue  you  fpeak  that,  (though  you  may) 
"  Which  I  haue  heard  a  countrie  Maior  did  fay, 
Vnto  a  Scholler,  who  concluded  had 
His  latine  fpeech  with  Dixi  I  haue  fayd : 
To  whom  th'vnletter'd  Maior  to  aproue  the  fame 
Replying  thus,  tooke  Dixi  for  his  name. 
"  If  that  thy  name  be  Divi  fure  I  am, 
Dixi' s  a  learned  vnderftanding  man. 


To 


21  I 


To  the  Landf-lord  where- 

foeuer. 

LAndf-lord  to  thee,  addreft  to  fpeake  I  am, 
And  full  as  much  to  thee  as  any  man  : 
For  many  Errors  and  fowle  crimes  I  knowe 
That  thou  art  more  then  others  fubiecl:  toe, 
Which  ile  in  part,  vnrip,  and  fo  make  cleere, 
As  in  that  day,  when  all  men  fhall  appeare 
Before  their  heauenly  Landf-lord,  where  is  had 
A  dew  accompt :  This  now  which  I  haue  fayd 
May  be  a  witnefle,  and  beare  record  ftill, 
That  thou  didft  know  before  thy  Maifters  will, 
Which  not  perform'd  thou  know'ft  what  thou  haft 
"  With  manie  ftripes  thoujhalt  be  ckaftifed,  (read 

But  firft,  ere  I  proceed,  fo  great 's  the  cries 
Of  widdowes,  and  fo  many  tere-fwolne  eyes 
Of  Orphanes  fuccourleffe  that  reach  to  heauen, 
As  I  'me  well-nigh  into  amazement  driuen, 
And  cannot  perfe6l  what  I  do  entend, 
Vntill  I  fee  their  forrowes  at  an  end, 
At  leaft  allayd  (for  I  am  forc't  to  keepe, 
A  confort  with  thefe  filly  foules  that  weep  :) 
So  moouing  is  their  paffion  (as  in  briefe) 
So  ftrong's  compaflion,  I  do  feele  their  griefe. 

P  2  Where- 


212  To  the  Lanf-lord. 

Wherefore  I  muft  (fo  great  is  griefes  extent) 
Perfwade  thefe  blubbert  wretches  be  content, 
And  beare  with  patience,  till  the  Lord  (hall  fend, 
In  his  good  time  vnto  their  forrowes  end  : 
Which  to  exprefle  the  better  I  will  moue  them 
In  mildeft  tearmes  ;  and  thus  will  fpeak  vnto  them. 
Ceafe,  ceafe  (poore  iniur'dfoule)  your  teres  to  flied, 
Weeping  for  that  cannot  be  remeded, 
'Laffeyou  are  farre  deceit?  d  ;  if  you  fnppofe 
Teres  can  moue  Landf -lords :  tJiey  are  none  of  thofe, 
Their  difpojitions  are  more  harder  far, 
Tlien  any  other  of  Gods  creatures  are : 
For  tell  me  (ftarueling)  hath  thy  trickling  eye, 
Pale-colourd  uifage,  heauen-afcending  crie, 
Eat  th-bending  knees,  hart  throbbing  languijhment, 
Eccoing  figlis,  fouls-fretting  difcontent, 
Famine  at  home,furcharg>d  with  forrowes  loade, 
Debt  with  a  Sergeant  dogging  thee  abroad, 
Haue  any  tJiefe  whereof  tJwu  haft  had  part, 
Been  of  that  force  to  mollifie  his  heart  ? 
Haue  all  thy  cries  and  Orphanes  teres  togetJter 
Moou'd  him  ?  6  no :  they  are  as  if  a  f ether, 
Were  here  and  there  toft  with  each  gale  of  winde, 
Thoujhalt  not  finde  that  temper  in  his  mind  : 
For  he  is  cauteris'd  and  voide  of  fence, 
And  thanks  his  God  he  has  a  conference, 
Canftand  remorcelejfe  'gainft  both  winde  and  weatJier, 
(Though  he  and's  Confcience  %oe  to  hell  together. 
Yea  he  doth  feele  no  more  thy  piteous  mone, 
Then  doth  an  Anuile  when  its  ftrooke  vpon. 

Why 


To  the  Land/- lord.  213 

Why  then  fliouldft  thou  thusjlriue  againjl  theftreame, 
Timportune  him  that  feemes  as  in  a  dreame, 
Secure  of  hell,  carelejfe  of  thy  diftrejfe  ? 
Fie  take  vfion  theefome  more  manlinejfe, 
Roufe  thy  deietted  fpirits  which  now  lie, 
As  if  furprifed  by  a  lethargie  ; 

Wipe,  wipe,  thofe  eyes  with  briny  Jlreamelings  drownd, 
And  plant  thy  felfevpon  a  firmer  ground, 
Then  thus  to  waft  thy  grief  e-enthralled  heart. 
Which  done :  pray  tell  me  but,  what  better  art  ? 
Well,  if  thou  wilt  butjilence  thy  iuft  wrong 
For  one  halfe  howre,  or  hardly  for  fo  long, 
Ilejhew  the  beft  I  can  of  art  andjkill, 
With  an  unbounded  meafure  of  good  will, 
To  tell  thy  cruell  lord,  that  there's  a  doome        , 
As  well  as  here  in  after  time  to  come : 
lie  tell  him  boldly  though  I  chance  to  moue  him 
For  all  he's  lord,  tJtere  is  a  Lord  aboue  him, 
Before  whofe  throne  he  muft  come  to  account ; 
For  Syons-Lord  is  that  Lord  Paramount, 
Who  fwayes  the  majjle  orbe  of  heauen  and  earth, 
Brething  on  euery  creature  that  brings  forth  ; 
Its  he  that  giues  to  each  increafe  andftore, 
Girdling  the  fwelling  Ocean  with  ajhore: 
The  proudeft  Peeres  lie  to  fubieftion  brings, 
And proftrate  lies  the  Diadems  of  Kings  : 
By  him  opprejfors  feele  there  is  a  God, 
That  can  reuenge  and  chaftice  with  his  rodde  ; 
Yea,  thy  iniurious  Lord,  I  meane  to  tell 
Though  he  thinks  of  no  hell,  hes  finde  a  hell, 

P  3  And 


214  To  the  Landf-lord. 

And  thofe  diftreaming  teres  which  thou  haftjhed, 
Are  by  thy  toning  father  bottled, 
For  there's  no  teres,Jighs,forrowes,  grieues  or  moms, 
Which  come  from  any  of  his  little-ones 
But  in  his  due  compajfion  ftill  exprejl 
Vnto  their  caufe,  helefee  their  wronges  redrejl. 
How  thinks V  of  this  ?  will  not  thefe  things  enforce 
In  thy  relentlejfe  Landf-lord  a  remorfe, 
Sooner  and  deeper  (of  that  minde  am  I) 
Then  puling  with  thy  finger  in  thine  eye. 
Well  I  will  make  attempt  (which  if  it  fall 
Out  to  my  wijhes  as  I  hope  itjliall) 
The  onely  fee  which  I  expeft  of  thee, 
Is  that  thou  wouldjlpoure  out  thy  prayers  for  me, 
Meane  time  pray  for  thy  f elf e  (while  I  exprejfe 
Thy  grieues,  and  heauens  grant  to  my  hopes  fuccejfe.) 

Now  (rent-inhauncer)  where  away  fo  faft  ? 
Pray  ftay  a  little  fir  for  all  your  hafte  : 
Perchance  you  may  more  profit  by  your  ftay, 
Then  if  you  fhould  leaue  me  and  goe  your  way  : 
For  I  conie6lure  whither  you  are  going, 
Nay,  (doe  not  blufh)  to  fome  poore  fnakes  vndoing, 
To  root  out  fome  poore  Family  or  other ; 
Speake  freely  man  do  not  your  confcience  fmother  ; 
I  ft  not  (you  Suck-blood)  to  oppreffe  the  poore, 
And  put  him  and  his  children  out  a  dore  ; 
Ift  not  to  take  aduantage  on  fome  thing 
Or  other  for  his  vtter  ruining  : 
Ift  not  becaufe  thou  art  not  halfe  content 
That  he  fhould  fit  vpon  fo  eafie  rent. 

And 


The  Lands-lord.  215 

And  therefore  takes  occafion  vpon  naught, 

Forging  fomthing  he  neither  faid,  nor  thought. 

If  fuch  effe<5ls  make  thee  abroad  to  come, 

Thou  might  with  fafer  confcience  flay  at  home. 

For  whence  be  thefe  exactions  thus  to  ftretch, 

And  racke  thy  Tenants  ?  thou  wilt  fay,  f  enrich 

Thy  priuate  Coffers \  which  in  time  may  be 

A  faire  ejlate  to  thy  pofteritie. 

Or  if  not  to  encreafe  thy  wealth,  or  ftore, 

For  to  maintaine  thy  ryot  or  thy  whore. 

O  thou  forlorne  and  miferable  man, 

Come  thefe  conclufions  from  a  Chriftian  ? 

Be  thefe  the  ends  whereto  thou  wert  created,     (ted  ? 

To  loue  thofe  things  which  make  thy  foule  moft  ha- 

Ime  forry  for  thee,  (yet  vnhappy  Elfe) 

Why  mould  I  grieue  that  grieues  not  for  thy  felfe  ? 

How  canft  thou  thinke  thy  children  fhall  poffeffe, 

Long  that  eftate  is  got  by  wickedneffe  ? 

Or  how  imaginft  that  it  can  fucceede 

Well  with  thy  fhort  liu'd  heires,  or  with  their  feede, 

When  all  that  welth  (was  gathered  to  their  hand.) 

Came  from  the  cries  and  curfes  of  the  land  ? 

No  no,  thou  greedy  fpunge  that  fucks  vp  ftore, 

Yet  more  thou  fuckes,  thou  needeft  ftill  the  more. 

Euill  got  goods  (howbeit  neare  foe  fay  re) 

Seldome  enioyed  are  by  the  third  heire 

For  wauering  is  that  ftate  is  raifd  by  wrong, 

Built  its  on  Sand,  and  cannot  hold  out  long. 

Yea  I  haue  feene  (euen  in  that  little  time 

Which  I  haue  liu'd)  Som  of  you  in  their  prime. 

P4  And 


2 1 6  To  the  Landf-lord. 

And  fo  ere<5led  to  the  height  of  ftate, 

As  you  might  feeme  to  be  admired  at. 

For  braue  attendance,  fumptuous  attire, 

For  fare  &  pleafure  what  you  could  defire. 

In  building  gorgeous,  fo  as  you  might  be 

Styled  the  heires  of  Earths  felicitie. 

Yet  'laffe  (againe)  how  quickly  haue  I  feene, 

Thefe  men  fhrunke  downe,  as  if  they  had  not  been : 

Their  pompe  decreaf'd,  their  great  attendance  gon, 

And  for  their  many  difhes  one,  or  none  ? 

True  ;  for  how  can  it  any  other's  chufe, 

Since  God  hath  promifd  not  to  blefle  that  houfe, 

Which  aimes  at  welth,  and  honour,  for  to  rife 

By  Orphanes  teares,  and  woefull  widows  cries. 

Then  for  the  firft  thou  fees  how  it  is  vaine, 

To  thinke  that  thy  pofterity  can  raigne 

Or  long  abide  in  that  eftates  pofleflion, 

Is  got  by  fraud,  collufion,  or  oppreflion. 

Now  I  will  fee  whereto  thy  labours  tend, 

To  fquize  the  poor e  tJtat  thou  may  better  fpend 

On  wanton  conforts  (Souls  eternall  curfe) 

The  firft  was  ill,  but  this  is  ten-times  worfe. 

Its  well  obferu'dy  that  when  wee  doe  begin, 

Onefinne's  attended  by  an  other  finne. 

They  come  in  paires,  which  feemes  approud  to  be, 

In  none  oppreffor  better  then  in  thee. 

Its  not  enough  to  prey  vpon  the  Poore, 

But  thou  muft  fpend  his  ftate  vpon  thy  whoore. 

So  that  me  thinkes  I  almoft  might  auer, 

Its  rather  he  then  thou  maintaineth  her. 

Muft 


To  the  Land/- lord.  2 1 7 

Muft  his  night  cares  and  early  rifing  to, 

His  dayly  labours,  when  and  where  to  fow, 

His  painefull  tillage,  and  his  (lender  fare, 

His  griefe  when's  crops  the  lefle  fuccefliue  are, 

His  many  howers  of  want,  few  of  content, 

His  fpeciall  care  to  pay  his  Land] '-lords  rent, 

Muft  he  that  earnes  his  liuing  beft  we  know, 

(Being  as  God  command'd)  in's  fweat  ofs  Brow, 

Muft  he  the  fleepes  with  many  a  troubled  head, 

To  finde  his  wife  and  hungry  children  bread, 

Muft  he  (I  fay)  for  all  his  lifes  difquiet, 

Maintaine  thy  whoredome  and  excefliue  riot, 

Muft  he  fupport  thee  in  thy  vaine  delights, 

Thy  midnight  reuels,  and  thy  pagent  fights, 

Thy  new  inuented  fafliions,  and  thy  port, 

Muft  he  at  th'Cart,  maintaine  thy  pride  at  Court, 

If  this  he  doe  ?  this  doome  to  thee  is  gitten, 

Court  it  on  earth,  thoiUs  nener  Court  in  Heauen. 

No  Ahab  no,  there  is  no  place  for  fuch,  (tutch. 

Whom  poore  mens  grieues  and  forrowes  will  not 

Such  as  will  haue  companion,  mail  be  there, 

Receiud  in  mercy  that  had  mercy  heere. 

But  fuch  as  thou,  who  in  the  Pride  of  heart, 

Had  little  feeling  of  an  others  fmart, 

Shall  heare  that  Ve,  Away  thou  curfed,  goe, 

"  Repent  in  time,  or  thou  fhalt  finde  it  fo  : 

For  tell  me  ?  why  mould  whorijh  complement 

Force  thee  to  foules  eternall  languifhment. 

Why  mould  a  minutes  pleafure  take  from  thee, 

All  after-hope  of  thy  felicitie, 

Why 


2 1 8  The  Lands-lord. 

VVhy  fhould  a  painted  cheeke  be  fo  fought  after, 
Beleeu't  in  common  fenfe  it  merits  laughter 
That  her  complexion  fhould  by  thee  be  fought, 
That  knows  its  not  her  owne,  but  that  'twas  bought, 
Yea  one  would  thinke  more  reafon  theres  to  feeke, 
"  Complexion  in  the  mop,  then  on  the  cheeke. 
And  better  wil't  with  generous  humors  ftand, 
To  buy't  at  firft  then  at  the  fecond  hand. 
BotKs  to  be  bought :  no  difference  in  the  f ale  ; 
The  one  in  groffe,  the  other  in  Retaile. 

0  then  take  heede,  mix  not  two  finnes  in  one, 
Sinnes  linkt  together  make  the  foule  to  groane. 
Their  burdens  heauy,  yea  tis  fuch  as  they, 
Draw  fin  in  Cart-ropes  (as  the  Prophets  fay) 
But  if  thou  wilt  needes  to  perdition  run, 

And  follow  on  that  chafe  thou  haft  begun, 
If  thou  wilt  make  thy  body  (in  few  words) 
A  filthy  Caske,  or  Cage  of  vncleane  birds, 
If  that  fame  foule,  which  mould  a  Temple  be, 
And  dedicated  to  Gods  Maiejty, 
Muft  now  be  made  (it  grieues  me  to  expres) 
A  flew  for  Harlots  and  licentioufneffe. 
Yet  let  not  thy  oppreffion  be  the  meanes 
For  to  maintaine  fuch  proftituted  queanes, 
That  doe  expofe  themfelues  to  publique  fhame, 
"  One  fin's  enough  :  fhun  thou  oppreffions  name. 

1  know  indeede  what  was  of  Ahab  tould 
Is  growne  a  flory  now  exceeding  old. 

His  mouldred  bones  and  afhes  who  can  finde, 
Yea  his  example's  quite  worne  out  of  minde, 

Since 


To  L  andf -lords.  2 1 9 

Since  for  moft  part,  mens  corps's  no  fooner  rotten, 

Then  they  and  all  their  a<5lions  be  forgotten. 

Theftories  old  indeed,  its  tme  they  fay, 

Yet  is  the  vfe  experienft  euerie  day, 

"  Eck  day  we  fee  a  filly  Naboth  yfozVz*?, 

"And euery  day  a  wicked  Ahab  raigne. 

Who  if  he  fee  one  plat  of  ground  that  is 

Delightfull  in  his  eye,  or  bordering  his  ; 

Whether't  be  vineyard,  garden,  or  that  land, 

(The  front  I  mean)  where  Naboths  houfe  doth  ftand, 

He  cannot  be  content  till  he  has  got, 

By  fraud  or  violence,  that  fame  neighbouring  plot. 

For  like  an  eye-fore,  it  did  euer  grieue  him, 

Nor  till  ge  gain'd  it,  would  he  euer  leaue  him. 

Yet  for  all  this,  our  moderne  Ahabs  they, 

No  fooner  heare  what  facred  Scriptures  fay, 

Of  that  example,  then  they  ftraight  begin, 

To  giue  a  curfe  to  Ahab  and  his  finne. 

Who  made  no  bones  (poore  Naboth  to  denye  him) 

To  haue  one  little  Vineyard  lying  by  him. 

Cruell  he  was,  fay  they,  and  well  deferu'd 

His  punifhment ;  for  he  was  rightly  feru'd. 

To  be  depriu'd  of  all,  life,  realme,  and  crowne, 

That  would  not  fuffer  Naboth  haue  his  owne. 

Yea  the  reward  did  fit  his  Tyrant-hart, 

Defpoyl'd  of  all,  that  fpoyld  the  poore  of  part. 

So  their  owne  iudgements  (moft  vnhappy  Elues) 

That  thus  pronounce  the  fentence  on  themfelues. 

Their  owne  mouthes  do  condemn  them,  for  by  this 

Each  proue  their  guilt  by  th'guilt  they  (how  of  his. 

Where- 


220  To  tfie  Landf-Lord. 

Wherefore  as  Nat/tan  did  to  Dauid  fay, 
Taking  VriaJis  life  and  wife  away, 
Where  he  propofd  this  queftion  thereupon. 
Of  him  had  many  Sheepe,  another  one : 
Wherein  indeed  the  Prophet  Jhadowed, 
That  fatt  which  Dauid  to  Vriah  did, 
Which  when  tltat  good  King  heard,  as  th  Scripture  faith 
He  anfwered  flraight,  he  Jtath  deferued  death, 
Thou  art  the  man  (quoth  he)fofure  I  am, 
I  may  be  bold  to  fay  tJiou  art  the  man. 
Thou  Ahab,  thou  that  by  extortion  gaines. 
Some  Skreads  of  Land  to  better  thy  demains. 
Thou  that  triumphes  in  wrongs,  and  brings  the  crye 
And  curfe  of  widdowes  to  thy  Family. 
Thou  that  with  dainties  dofk  that  carrian  feede, 
That  maw  of  thine,  while  fuch  doe  begge  their  bread, 
As  thou  oppreft,  (to  their  extremeft  wrong,) 
Thou  art  the  man,  He  fmg  no  other  fong. 
Doft  thou  not  yet  relent  ?  no  ftreams  of  grace, 
Thrilling  or  trickling  from  thy  blubber't  face  ? 
No  figne  of  reformation  ?  Las  I  fee, 
Cuftome  in  fmne  cannot  relinquifht  be 
Vpon  the  inftant,  wherefore  I  muft  fet 
My  refolution  not  to  leaue  thee  yet, 
And  howfoere  thou  take  it,  I  will  goe, 
Yet  further  with  thee  He  not  leaue  thee  fo, 
Two  fpeciall  motiues  I  might  here  produce, 
To  moue  thee  to  a  confcience,  and  to  vfe. 
A  chriftian-like  refpe6l  to  fuch  as  be, 
Ordain'd  by  God  for  to  Hue  vnder  thee  : 

The 


To  the  Landf'lord.  221 

The  firft  is  :  to  haue  eye  vnto  that  forme 

Or  image,  which  doth  euery  man  adorne, 

Euen  his  creators  image,  which  might  moue 

Vs  to  loue  him  for  his  creators  loue. 

Thefecond  is :  a  due  efpeciall  care, 

Or  a  confideration  what  wee  are, 

Men  ;  and  in  that  we  fhould  be  humbler  ftill, 

"  Since  beft  of  vs,  are  Tennants  but  at  will : 

On  which  two  branches  briefly  He  dilate, 

Or  rather  curfiuely  fo  fhadow  at, 

As  feeing  his  Forme,  thy  little  caufe  of  pride, 

This  good  furueigh  may  make  thee  mortified. 

The  comely  feature  which  is  giuen  to  man, 

Implies  the  place  from  whence  this  creature  came, 

Euen  from  that  fragrant  garden  of  delight, 

That  fpicy  Eden,  where  in  our  makers  fight, 

He  did  enioy  farre  more  then  tongue  can  tell, 

Till  from  that  height  he  to  corruption  fell : 

Yet  ftill  retain'd  his  forme  which  firft  was  giuen  him 

In  Paradife,  whence  now  the  Lord  had  driuen  him  ? 

So  precious  was  this  forme  (as  he  who  made  it, 

For  as  we  reade  in  Scripture,  where  he  faid  it, 

Let  vs  make  man  after  our  Image :  he 

Saw  in  this  forme  (I  fay)  fuch  maieftie 

As  he  who  (in  his  mercy  faft  did  make  it) 

Becomming  man  of  God,  vouchfaf 'd  to  take  it. 

So  that  what  th'  firft  man  Adam  did  before 

Chrift,  th'fecond  Adam  as  man,  did  reftore. 

Thou  fees  this  Image  then  how  it  was  giuen 

And  reprefented  by  the  God  of  heauen, 

Who 


222  To  Landf-lords. 

Who  in  his  great  companions,  thought  't  no  fcorne, 
That  the  Creator  take  the  creatures  forme  ; 
And  how  canft  thou  (irreuerent  wretch)  difdaine 
That  forme  which  thy  Creator  did  retaine  ? 
How  canft  defpife  that  image,  or  prefume 
To  wrong  that  fhape  thy  Sauiour  did  affume  ? 
How  canft  thou  prefle  that  foule  with  difcontent/ 
Which  thy  Redeemer  daign'd  to  reprefent  ? 
How  canft  abufe  that  type  for  hope  of  pelfe, 
Which  Chrift  thy  louer  fhadowed  in  himfelfe  ? 
How  canft  thou  fee  that  image  rack't  to  be, 
Which  in  thy  Chrift  was  ract  and  rent  for  thee  ? 
How  canft  endure  to  haue  that  foule  bereft, 
Of  all  releefe,  and  to  haue  nothing  left, 
Driuen  from  his  houfe,  forc't  from  his  Tenant-right  ? 
When  he  that  is  the  way,  truth,  life  and  light, 
Taking  his  forme  to  fatisfie  for  fmne, 
Had  not  fo  much  as  houfe  to  hide  him  in. 
Birds  had  their  nefts,  and  euery  beaft  his  denne, 
Yet  had  not  he  what  was  permit' d  to  them, 
O  let  me  now  perfwade,  be  not  extreame, 
(Its  eajie  faies  the  Prouerb)  to  wade  the  ftreame, 
Where  tkfoord's  at  loweft,  recollett  to  minde 
His  noble  image,  and  in  it  thou'l  finde, 
Such  fingular  impreflions  of  reguard, 
As  I  doe  thinke  thou'l  honour't  afterward. 
When  thou  obferu's,  ther's  nothing  that's  in  him, 
Was  not  before  in  Chrift  excepting  fmne. 
O  then  refine  the  ayme  of  thy  intents, 
In  raifing  rints,  thinke  on  thy  Sauiours  rents. 

In 


To  Landf-lords.  223 

In  taking  of  aduantage,  thinke  on  this, 

If  God  aduantage  take  for  each  amifle, 

In  what  a  cafe  wert  thou,  how  woe-begon, 

That  of  a  thoufand  cannot  anfwer  one  ? 

If  thou  to  grieue  Gods  little  ones  begin, 

Thinke  therewithall,  that  thou  art  grieuing  him. 

Who  in  his  mercy  heares  the  widdowes  crie, 

And  in  his  pitty  wipes  the  Orphanes  eye, 

Which  thou  haft  caufe  to  thinke  on,  fo  much  rather 

Sith  God's  the  widdows  ludge,  the  orphans  Father : 

And  though  earths  luftice,  be  of  th'fecond  fight, 

Yet  hee's  fo  iuft,  hee'l  doe  the  pooreft  right. 

But  if  mans  Image,  which  were  ftrange,  mould  faile, 

With  thy  remorfeleffe  confcience  to  preuaile, 

From  that  tranfparent  Mirror,  He  defcend, 

Though  it  may  feeme  in  it  to  comprehend 

All  humane  glory,  yea  I  may  fay  more, 

The  forme  of  God  which  he  affum'd  before, 

Vnto  that  due  obferuance,  or  that  care, 

Whereby  we  come  to  acknowledge  what  we  are. 

Man's  of  a  fubftance  meane,  hauing  his  birth, 

As  his  firft  natiue  Mother,  from  frayle  Earth, 

Brittle's  his  compofition,  and  fo  weake, 

Be  his  refolues,  as  hee  can  vndertake 

Nought  with  fo  firme  a  purpofe  as  may  ftand, 

Or  will  not  change  with  th'turning  of  a  hand. 

His  health's  aftranger  to  him,  for  when  moft, 

It  feemeth  with  him,  it  is  fooneft  loft ; 

For  his  abiding,  hee's  as  in  a  Tent, 

Wherein  hees  militant,  not  permanent. 

The 


224  To  the  Landf-lord. 

The  world's  his  campe,  his  profeft  enemies, 

Wherewith  he  is  to  grapple,  they  be  thefe. 

The  turbulent  affeftions  of  his  mind, 

Which  euery  houre  is  feuerally  inclin'd. 

The  goale  which  he  doth  ayme  at,  or  th'reward, 

After  \htfight,  hee  lookes  for  after-ward  : 

Thus  thou  may  fee,  in  this  fame  earthly  cell, 

Though  dwell  we  feeme,  indeed,  we  doe  not  dwell, 

But  foiourne  :  Its  no  man/ion  but  an  Inne, 

Syons  our  home,  this  pilgrimage  is  finne. 

As  for  our  ftates,  we  are  but  leacers  all, 

And  fhall  be  put  off,  when  hee's  pleafd  to  call ; 

Yea  I  may  rather  fay  (and  not  amiffe) 

We  are  the  Lejffees,  he  the  Lejfour  is. 

And  howfoere  our  Landf-Lords  make  accompt, 

They'r  but  inferiour  Lords,  hee's  Paramount. 

Then  if  thou  wilt  but  duely  looke  vpon't ; 

Thy  tenure  ftands  vpon  a  tickle  point, 

Yea  I  doe  find  thy  ftate  not  worth  a  ftraw, 

If  I  haue  any  iudgement  in  the  law  : 

And  why  fhouldft  thou  bring  poore  men  into  fuit, 

Sith  thou  thy  felfe  haft  no  ftate  abfolute, 

But  for  thy  terme  of  life :  fo  as  methinks, 

When  that  French  gibberijh  to  my  braine-pan  finks 

Where  lohn  a  Stiles  and  's  neighbour  lohn  an  Okes, 

With  many  other  Law-baptized  folkes, 

Are  brought  in  feaz'd  of  land,  as  they  doe  finde, 

In  Burrow,  Englifh,  Soccage,  Gauell-kinde, 

Fee-toy le,  fee-Jimple  (it  oft  feemes  to  me) 

Thefe  Lawyers  are  thejimplejl  men  that  be; 

who 


To  the  Landf-lord.  225 

Who  are  perfwaded  (and  would  haue  vs  too) 

But  let's  difcent  from  them  : — theres  fools  enough  : 

That  of  al  ftates  and  Tenures  are  poffeft, 

Or  can  bee  had,  Fee-Simple  is  the  beft. 

Whereas  I  thinke,  if  well  they  vnderftood, 

What  fpecially  concern'd  them,  and  their  good. 

They  would  conclude,  Fee-Jimple  will  not  doe, 

A  double-Fee  is  better  of  the  two. 

If  we  could  find  indeed  a  difference, 

In  th'liues  of  \titenures,  then  there  were  fome  fence 

To  fay,  that  fuch  a  tenure  were  the  strongeft  ; 

Becaufe  by  it  the  Tennant  Hues  the  longeft. 

But  tell  me,  are  not  all  eftates  that  be 

Subie6l  alike  to  mutability  : 

To  the  poffeffour  you  will  fay  they  are ; 

If  vnto  him,  why  fhould  we  further  care, 

Since  as  the  Prouerbe  is,  when  he  is  gone, 

The  world's  gone  with  him,  as  all  in  One :  (vant, 

O  then  thou  Earth-bred  worme,  why  fhouldeft  thou 

As  if  thou  wert  a  Lord  predominant. 

Why  shouldft  triumph  ore  th'  meaner  fort  of  men, 

Since  thour't  compofd  of  one  felfe  Mould  with  the  ? 

Thou  art  but  Adams  fonne,  and  fo  are  they, 

Both  of  you  fram'd  and  fafhion'd  of  one  clay, 

Both  haue  one  image  :  then  compaflion  take, 

If  not  for  them,  yet  for  their  image  fake. 

For  though  thou  canft  not  one  good  looke  affoord, 

To  thefe  poore  fnakes,  they'r  deere  vnto  the  Lord, 

As  is  thy  felfe,  as  pretious  in  Gods  eies, 

Bought  and  redeemed  with  as  great  a  price. 

Q  And 


\ 


226  To  the  Landf-lord. 

And  though  there  be  twixt  Snbjlitntes  and  Kings, 

Superiour  dates,  and  lower  vnderlings, 

A  difference  in  the  world,  yet  there  shall 

Twixt  them  (in  heauen)  no  difference  be  at  all, 

Onely  what's  good  fhall  approbation  haue, 

With  King  andfubiett,  conquerer  andflaue. 

O  then  receiue  the  bowells  of  compaffion, 

And  beare  like  mind,  as  thou  doft  beare  like  fafhion : 

Let  thy  vnrighteous  Mammon  get  thee  friends, 

That  when  thy  pilgrime  daies  of  Labour  ends, 

Thou  may  poffeffe  a  glorious  heritage, 

After  the  period  of  this  pilgrimage. 

My  lejfons  are  but  fhort,  pray  then  remember, 

As  thou  the  welfare  of  thy  foule  doft  tender. 

"  The  be/I  of  vs  are  tennants  but  at  will, 

"  Andjland  in  hazard  of  diffeifure  ftill. 

And  though  our  ftates  feeme  firmer  then  the  reft, 

They  are  vncertaine  tenures  at  the  beft. 

In  briefe,  thou  earthly  Landf-lord  ftriue  to  be,      (thee 

As  thou  wouldft  haue  Heauens  Landf-lord  towards 

Not  too  extreame :  thou  knowft  the  doome  is  giuen, 

That  no  extortioner  fhall  enter  Heauen. 

Refolue  what  thou  wilt  doe  :  for  though  it  grieue  me 

To  leaue  thee  yet,  I  am  enforc't  to  leaue  thee, 

And  turne  vnto  thy  Tennant,  who  difmaide, 

Stands  heere  at  doore  to  heare  what  I  haue  f aid. 


To 


227 


To  the  Tennant 

howfoeuer. 

WHatJtate  foeuer  thou  are  feazed  on, 
Or  in  what  Tenure  thou  doft  hold  vpon, 
Il'e  now  addreffe  my  fpeech  in  briefe  to  thee, 
Wherein  I  ayme  in  part  to  comfort  thee, 
In  part  to  re<5lifie  what  may  feeme  ill, 
In  thy  peruerfe  and  vn-conformed  will ; 
That  in  them  both  for  th'loue  which  I  doe  owe, 
To  him  thou  reprefents,  I  may  fo  fhow, 
That  deere  affection  which  we're  bound  to  beare, 
To  one  another  while  we  foiourne  heere, 
As  when  an  end  of  all  our  forrowes  are 
Reduc'd  to  one  fet  period,  and  our  care 
Shall  haue  a  finall  end,  what  I  haue  done, 
"  In  loue  may  be  approu'd  when  I  am  gone. 
To  moue  thee  vnto  comfort,  in  a  word, 
I'le  vfe  th'perfwafion  which  I  gaue  thy  Lord, 
To  humble  his  ambicious  fpirit,  when 
I  told  him  of  the  different  ftate  of  Men, 
How  in  the  eyes  of  men  indeed  they  were 
Efteemed  great,  but  when  they  mould  appeare, 
Before  that  high  Tribunal^  where  all  mould, 
(Though  if  they  might  auoid  it,  many  would,) 

Q  2  Make 


228  To  the  Tenant. 

Make  their  appearance,  then  the  great  mould  know, 

They  were  no  more  refpecled  then  the  low  : 

One  aduocate,  one  ludge,  one  barre  one  triall, 

Confcience  the  onely  difference,  when  Deniall, 

Seald  with  abite,  or  th'accurfed  doome, 

Or  th'inuitation  with  Ventfecome, 

Shall  in  that  generall  iudgement  there  exprefle, 

Or  weale,  or  woe,  or  hell,  or  happineffe  : 

"  So  as  when  all  are  fummon'd  fore  that  feat, 

It's  better  to  be  good,  then  to  be  great. 

For  then,  as  well  it  may  be  vnderftood, 

They  onely  (hall  be  great  that  are  found  good. 

But  thou  wilt  aske,  is  there  no  comfort  elfe  ? 

Yes  that  there  is,  thy  daily  labour  tells, 

There's  a  reward  of  glory  that's  referu'd, 

For  fuch  as  haue  their  Maifter  duely  feru'd, 

In  their  vocation  :  there's  a  penny  too, 

Which  though  it  be  not  giuen  vnto  thee  now, 

Yet  be  aflur'd,  (for  he  that  fpoke't  is  true) 

"  When  th'euening  comes,  thou  malt  receiue  thy  due. 

And  though  thou  feeme  a  little  while  to  flay, 

Doe  not  repine,  it's  th'euening  crownes  the  day. 

Wouldft  know  what  I  by  titi Evening  fae,  intend  ? 

I  meane  the  fun-fet  of  thy  life  or  end 

Of  all  thy  pilgrime  daies,  which  though  they  bee, 

A  very  death,  or  Martyrdotne  to  thee, 

(So  little  ioy  conceau's  thou  vpon  earth,) 

Yet  wil  thy  Comicke  end  include  thy  mirth, 

When  from  this  Vale  of  labour  and  of  care, 

Thou  malt  vnto  a  mount  of  ioy  repaire. 

When 


To  the  Tenant.  229 

When  from  this  floting  Sea,  this  fading  cell, 

Thou  malt  depart,  and  with  thy  Sauiour  dwell. 

Yea  on  thy  death-bed  thou  art  comforted, 

Thinking  how  truly  thou  haft  laboured. 

How  many  carefull  nights  thou  haft  orepaft, 

Without  the  leaft  of  reft,  how  thy  repaft, 

Was  not  delighfull  feeding  with  excefle, 

But  th'bread  thou  eate  was  mixt  with  carefulnejfe  ; 

Noe  houre  without  affliction  or  fome  grief et 

And  now  to  finde  to  all  thy  woes  reliefe 

It  may  no  little  folace  the,  when  th'end 

Of  difcontents  fliall  bring  thee  to  a  friend 

That  will  in  armes  of  charitie  receiue  thee,         (thee. 

Where  beeing  lodg'd,  no  woe,  no  want  can  grieue 

Happy  tranjlation,  and  by  fo  much  more, 

In  that  thofe  Lordings  which  triumph'd  before, 

And  plaid  vpon  thy  weakeneffe,  now  fhall  ftand, 

To  th'doome  which  thofe  oppreffors  of  the  land, 

Are  subie6l  to  :  tell  me  (poore  wormeling)  then, 

What  difference  there  will  bee  twixt  thee  and  them  ? 

Great  were  they  heere  indeed,  and  did  refemble, 

Thofe  Bulls  of  Bafan,  yet  fee  how  they  tremble, 

How  quicke  their  powerfull  greatnejfe  is  made  frnall, 

For  little  is  their  pompe,  or  none  at  all : 

See,  fee  thefe  Cedars  now  are  ftrucke  with  thunder, 

And  thogh  they  once  fate  high,  theVr  now  broght  vnder 

Thofe  glorious  titles  which  gaue  wings  to  pride, 

Thofe  gorgeous  buildings  made  them  deifide. 

Thofe  many  ftate-attendants,  more  or  leffe, 

Like  Sommer-Swallows  following  their  fucceffe. 

Q  3  Are 


230  To  Landf  lords. 

Are  vanifli't,  ruin'd,  and  difperfed  quite, 

Ther's  none  of  thefe  can  come  into  their  fight, 

Yea  which  is  worfe  in-fteed  of  Eminence  ; 

There  is  an  enemy  called  Confcience, 

That  ftill  difturbs  their  quiet  and  their  reft : 

Which  if  at  peace,  there  were  continuall  feaft. 

But  that's  impoflible,  fuch  men  as  thefe  ; 

Haue  in  themfelues  a  thoufand  Witneffes,  (them, 

And  these  poorefnakes  caufe  they  did  heere  contemn 

Shall  with  their  Confcience  ftand  there  to  condemne 

Where  that  fame  place,  they  are  appointed  to     (the, 

Shall  Tophet  be,  their  word,  yee  curfed  goe. 

Thou  feeft  then  no  difference  doth  appeare, 

Twixt  thou  and  them  faue  onely  when  you're  heere 

A  little  garifh  vanity  there  is, 

Which  doth  include  that  happineffe  of  his, 

Who  feemes  fo  popular,  yet  thou  (halt  fee, 

From  thence  is  drawne  his  greateft  miferie. 

For  (tel  me)  doth  not  that  externall  ftate, 

Make  him  forget  whereto  he  was  create  : 

Doth't  not  be-lull  his  foule  in  finnes  delights, 

(Not  knowing  how  the  flesh  gainft  fpirit  fights,) 

Whereby  he  comes,  which  is  the  word  of  all, 

To  bring  his  reafon  to  his  fenfes  thrall. 

Yea  I  haue  heard  of  many  great  mens  endt 

So  full  of feare  and  horrour  as  God  fend 

Me  lejfe  delights  on  earth  fo  I  may  Iiaue, 

A  quiet  eafie  pajfage  to  my  graue. 

"  For  reafon  doth  informe  me,  rare  it  is, 

That  earths  delight  JJiould  bring  a  man  to  bliffe. 

More 


To  the  Tenant.  231 

More  could  I  fpeake  to  comfort  thy  diftreffe, 

And  more  I  was  determinde  I  confeffe, 

To  infift  on  thy  affliftion,  but  I  found, 

By  my  Experience  this  efpeciall  ground, 

Held  euer  firme  when  we  doe  comforts  tutch, 

Such  is  mans  nature  he  will  take  too  much, 

Rather  then  too  too  little,  yea  its  fed  ; 

More  haue  through  (lore  of  comforts  furfeted, 

Then  fuch  as  from  all  outward  folace  pent, 

Haue  famifht  been  through  inward  difcontent. 

With  Gedeons  fouldier  therefore  preft  I  am, 

Rather  to  lap,  and  like  a  Jonathan, 

To  tutch  the  hony  onely  with  my  rod, 

Then  on  this  fubie6l  make  too  long  aboad. 

Which  that  I  may,  from  comfort  He  defcend, 

To  faults  in  the  which  I  would  gladly  mend. 

That  God  commands  from  who  proceeds  all  power, 

"  Let  each  be  fubiecT:  to's  Superiour. 

For  it  would  breed  confufion  in  the  Land, 

If  people  did  admit  of  no  commaund. 

But  like  a  Platoes  Common-wealth,  mould  be, 

SubiecT:  to  none,  but  in  equalitie. 

Therefore  that  Lord,  who  of  his  grace  doth  loue  vs, 

Hath  ranked  fome  below  vs,  fome  aboue  vs. 

Abotie  vs  that  we  might  be  caution'd  thence, 

To  (hew  vnto  them  due  obedience. 

Below  vs,  that  we  might  thereby  expreffe, 

To  them  our  loue,  to  God  our  thankefulneffe, 

Otir  loue,  that  we  might  our  affe6lion  (how, 

In  loue  to  them  that  ranked  are  fo  low. 

Q4  Our 


232  To  the  Tenant. 

Our  thankefulneffe,  that  we  fhould  more  receiue, 

Then  other  fome,  that  more  deferued  haue. 

Againe,  aboue  vs,  to  acknowledge  here, 

Without  that  power  aboue,  how  weake  we  are; 

Below  vs,  that  if  we  vnhappy  Elues, 

Should  grudge  to  fee  fom  greater  then  our  felues, 

By  feeing  thefe  wee  might  fuppofe  they're  fent, 

By  their  degree  to  bid  vs  be  content, 

In  this  fame  decent  comly  order  then 

Of  high  and  low,  great  and  inferiour  men, 

Thou  ranked  art,  nor  richeft,  nor  mod  pore, 

For  thou  feeft  many  goe  from  dore  to  dore, 

Whofefcrips  their  fare,  whofe  wallet  is  their  wealth, 

Whofe  ftaffe's  their  flay,  whofe  treafure  is  ttieir  health. 

Now  in  thy  ranke  there's  many  things  I  wifh 

Thou  wouldft  referme,  which  I  doe  fee  amiffe. 

"  As  firft  for  all  thy  pouerty  and  want, 

Thou  haft  a  difpofition  arrogant : 

Rq/h,  heady,  f elf e-wild,  prouder  then  thy  Jlate 

Can  well  beare  out,  extreamely  objlinate, 

Foolijhly  peremptory,  fancy  with  all, 

Bejides  I  fee  in  thee  (I  muft  tell  all) 

A  factious  wauering  nature,  apt  to  rife 

Through  difcontent,  in  any  enterprife. 

A  very  lack  Straw,  or  a  cujlome  ajfe, 

Alleadging  fuch  records  as  neuer  was. 

A  pejflent  member  to  the  Kingdomes  quiet, 

Prone  to  diuijion,  enmity,  and  riot, 

Sower  of  difcord,f elf  e  conceitedly 

Wife,  yet  I  cannot  well  imagine  why. 

Yea 


To  the  Tenant.  233 

Yea,  I  haue  feene,  fome  of  thy  crew  to  gather, 
Like  wild-geefe  for  the  wagging  of  a  feather, 
Making  ftrange  combinations,  which  did  tend, 
Still  to  their  owne  fubuerfion  in  the  end. 
Some  Terme  agoe  on  one  I  chanct  to  light, 
Was  come  to  towne  to  trie  his  tenant-right, 
With  whom  difcourfing,  he  imparfd  to  me, 
Mongjl  other  things  how  moft  iniurioujly 
He  and  the  reft  which  held  one  tenure  there, 
About  their  ftate  or  title  troubled  were, 
And  therewithall  alleadgd  that  he  could Jhow, 
Cuftomes  and  difcords  (fo  hefaid)  enough, 
And  that  from  Noahs  indignation,  when 
Of  all  tJte  world  there  were  but  left  8  men  ; 
No,  this  is  true,  quoth  he,  I  will  affure  yee, 
Without  delayer  pannelled  a  lurie: 
Where  thofe  12  men  (the  number  fcarfe  holds  right) 
Rijing  to  12,  that  were  before  but  eight, 
Found  that  our  anceftry  did  hold  in  pottage, 
Now  I  imagine  he  did  meane  in  Soccage, 
Which  to  makefure,  this  Cuftom  fpeakes  for  vs, 
And  he  with  that  draws  forth  a  Mittimus. 
This  I  may  fweare,  more  then  a  fennet  after, 
I  could  not  thinke  on,  but  was  forc't  to  laughter. 
But  now  to  ttiee,  for  I  haue  done  thee  wrong, 
To  keepe  me  from  difcourfe  with  thee  fo  long, 
Whom  I  refolu'd  to  haue  aduertifed, 
Of  thefe  precedent  errors  mentioned  ; 
"  Conforme  thy  will  vnto  thy  Lords  commaund 
In  fitting  things,  thou  liu'ft  vpon  his  land, 

And 


234  To  tlte  Tenarit. 

And  art  his  Hedge-man,  therfore  thou  fhouldft  fhow 
Thy  felfe  to  him,  as  thou  thy  felfe  doeft  owe. 
Vnto  the  Heyre  to,  a  refpe<5l  is  due, 
For  time  may  come  when  he  fhall  pleafure  you. 
Yet  meane  I  not  that  thou  Jlwuldjl  pay  a  Fine, 
Vnto  the  Jieire  now  in  his  FatJiers  time, 
"  For  if  I  were  an  heire  as  I  am  not, 
"  Belieue  it  1  would  thinke  that  fine  ill  got. 
What  I  doe  wifh  to  the  is  briefely  this, 
Succefle  in  thy  eftate,  as  thou  wouldft  wifh, 
Conformed  fo  vnto  thy  LandJ  Lord  liere, 
That  with  Iieauem  Land-lord  thou  may  Hue  elfewher. 


FINIS. 


LO  V ES 

LABYRINTH: 

OR 

The  true-Louers  knot  : 

INCLVDING 

The   difaftrous   fals  of  two    ftar-croft 
Lowrs  PYRAMVS  &  THYSBE. 

A  Subieft  heeretofore  handled,  but 

now  with  much  more  proprietie  of 

pafsion,  and  varietie  of  inuen- 

tion,  continued: 

By  RICHARD  BRATHWAYTE. 
Res  eft  foliciti plena  timoris  amor. 


At  London  printed  by  LB.  for  Richard  Redmer 

and  are  to  be  fold  at  the  Weft  dore 

of  Pauls  at  the  Starre.    1615. 


239 


CAN  DIDO  ET 

cordato,  Amico  faelici  Genio, 

perfpicaciingenio,  Richardo  Mufgraue 

de  Harcley  Baronetto,  coq  ;  titulo 

vere  digno : 

Richardus  Brathwaite  hofce  extre- 
mes Amatorum  amplexus,  grati  a- 
nimi  primitias,  folenniq,  officio 
perfuntlas  humillime 

Dedit,  Dicauit,  Dedicauit. 

Richardus  Mufgraueenjis. 

AN  AGRA  MM. 
Charus  mufis  diurna  reges. 

Dyjlichon. 

(Sicut  amas  Mufas,  Mufis  redamaris  ab  ipfis,  ) 
Charus  vt  es  Mufis,  fecla  diurna  reges.  j" 

Vpon 


240 


Vpon  the  Dedicatorie. 

IHeare  one  aske  me,  if  I  could  finde  none, 
To  dedicate  this  Poeme  to,  but  one 
That's  now  tranfplanted  to  another  fphere, 
And  better  meafures  fings  then  anie's  here. 
Its  true  indeede,  the  world's  large  and  wide, 
And  many  were  there  I  confeffe  befide, 
My  now  deceafed  Patron,  I  could  finde, 
But  none  fo  well  agreeing  with  my  minde ; 
He  was  one  that  I  honour'd,  and  his  worth 
Deferu'd  a  pregnant  Mufe  to  fet  it  forth, 
Which  though  I  haue  not  I  will  mew  my  beft, 
To  crowne  him  fleeping  in  the  bed  of  reft, 
Where,  while  I  write,  my  pafiion  mail  appere, 
By  each  lines  accent  mixed  with  a  tere  : 
But  you  will  fay  this  fubie<5l  cannot  moue, 
Such  firme  impreflion,  caufe  it  treats  of  loue, 
A  fadder  ftraine  would  better  fitting  be 
"  Drain'd  from  the  ftreames  of  graue  Melpomene, 
Where  euery  fentence  might  that  paftion  breede, 
"  as  if  himfelfe  were  here  portraide  indeed  ; 
This  I  could  doe  and  fo  exprefle  him  too 
(But  that  his  worth  would  be  a  fhame  to  you. 


That 


Vpon  the  Dedicatorie.  241 

That  are  defertleffe  to  fee  him  by  Fate 
Lopt,  that  has  left  you  much  to  imitate, 
Of  honour  I  dare  fay,  (which  ere  't  be  long, 
"  May  be  a  fubiecl  to  a  better  fong.) 
But  I  would  haue  you  know  how  ere  this  is, 
It  was  from  th'  cradle  nat'ralized  his  : 
Nor  would  I  raze  my  Patrons  dedicate, 
"  How  ere  he  feem'd  to  be  obfcur'd  by  Fate, 
But  as  I  lou'd  him  liuing,  my  defire 
Is  to  expreffe  my  loue  vnto  him  higher 
Being  now  dead  ;  that  though  my  friend  be  gone, 
Yet  life  and  death  to  friendfhip  may  be  one : 
For  th*  print  of  loue  if  it  beftampt  aright, 
Is  moft  in  lieart  when  it  is  leaft  injight. 

FINIS. 


R 


242 


VPON  THE  PREMA- 

ture  death  of  the  moft  Generous 

and  Ingenious ;  the  right  Worjhipfull,  Sir 

RICHARD     MVSGRAVE     Knight-Barronett    of 

Hartley :  Who  died  in  Italy,  being  preuented  of 

his  religious  purpofe,  intending  to  vifit  the  holy 

Sepulchre  of  our  Sauiour  in  lerufalem, 

an  EPICEDIVM  : 

The  Author  Dedicates  thefe  Obit-teres,  vnto 
his  vertuous  and  mode/I  Lady,  the  much  ho- 
noured FRANCIS  MVSGRAVE,  Daugh- 
ter to  the  truly  honourable  P  HI  LIP 
LORD  WHARTON. 

His  Ladies  Obit-teres. 

TEres  I  do  JJiedde,  yet  are  they  Jhedde  in  vaine, 
Nor  can  they  call  him  backe  to  life  againe  : 

Yet 


A  funerall  Elegy. 

Yetjigh  I  will,  to 
wake  him  from  his 

fleep, 

Thus  whiljl  hefkepes 
in  Earth,  on  Earth 

He  weepe. 

So  my  fad groanes  fent  forth  vnfeignedly 
May  moue  the  hardejl  Jieart  to  pitty  me. 
To  pit  tie  me,  that 
tJwugh  I  cannot 

haue 

TJie  priuiledge  to 
fee  my  husbands 

graue 

Yet  may  my  teres  (as  me  it  doth  behoue) 
Tranfported  be  to  tejlifie  my  loue  : 
My  loue  which  ener 
Jhall  tfiefe  obites 

keepe, 

SJte  can  doe  verie 
little  cannot 
weepe. 

R  2 


243 


244 


Richardus  Mufgrauienfis. 


ANAGRAMM. 


Vnis  refurgam  charus  diis. 

Dyjlichon. 

Nafcimur  &  morimur  :  fed  tu  moriendo  refurges, 
Gratior  &  fan6lis,  charioratq  ;  deis. 
DC  profe6lione  eius  ad 
San6tifs,  Chrifti 
Sepulchrum. 

Chriftus  erat  pretium,  Chrifti  quia  morte  fcpwlchru, 
perluftrare  cupis  :  quern  moriendo  capis. 

Richard  Mufgraue. 

ANAGRAMM. 

Graces  reward  him  : 

or 
We  admire  his  grace. 

Two  Anagrammes  included  in  one  verfe. 

Dyftich. 

Graces  reward  him,  we  admire  his  grace, 
Seme  both  as  proper  Mottoes  for  this  place: 


A  funerall  Elegie.  245 

Tlie  firft  f  evpreffe  the  hope  of  his  reward, 
Wlience  is  implied  our  comfort  afterward. 

Vpon  his  Graue. 

In  Mufgraues  Jiearfe  I finde  the  Mufes  graue, 
For  by  his  lojfe  a  Patron  loft  they  haue : 
Yet  lie's  not  loft,  but  is  afcended  higher, 
Andjings  with  Mufes  of ' tlte  heauenly  quire. 

His  Chara6ler. 

Faire  England  gaue  me  breeding,  birth,  and  name, 
lerufalem  was  t/t'  place  where  I  did  ayme, 
But  loe  my  Sauiours  graue  I  could  not  fee, 
For  my  owne  graue  was  made  in  Italy. 

Vnto  the  Italian. 

Doe  not  contemne  my  corps  Italian, 
I  am  tit  remainder  of  a  Gentleman, 
Who  knew  wJiat  honour  was  :  fo  after-time 
May  fliew  like  loue  to  tliee,  thoujhowes  to  mine. 

R  3  Vnto 


246 


A  Funerall  Elegie. 
Vnto  Report. 


Tofpeake  well  of  the  dead  is  ckaritie, 
If  thoti  be  tJten  a  Chriftian,  taxe  not  me 
Of  what  I  did:  (if  men,  we' re  prone  to  fall,) 
Speake  wtiat  is  well,  or  do  notfpeake  at  all. 


Morte 

Vitam. 

Fide 

Notitiam. 

Mors  fidelium 

Agone 

Brauiura. 

eft       (de  - 

Peregrinatione 

>in 

-  Patriam. 

Tranfitus 

Lahore 

Refrigerium. 

Expedlatione 

Praemium. 

Mundo 

Deum. 

BERNARDVS. 
Peregi  offidum  morientis  amid. 


247 


To  all  unhappy  Loners. 

COme  neere  me  louers,  croft  by  louers  fate, 
And  fee  thefe  ftar-croft  louers,  that  their  fight, 
May  fomthing  cheere  the  drovvping  of  your  ftate, 
Showing  fuch  beames  of  comfort  in  the  night, 
Of  your  difcomforts  :  that  both  loue  and  hate, 
"  May  make  you  happy  louers  by  renew, 
"  Had  to  thefe  louers  croft  as  well  as  you. 

You  fay  you  lou'd  ;  it's  true  :  and  fo  did  these ; 
"  You  fay  you  lou'd  a  faire  one ;  fo  did  he, 
Who  fancied  Thifbee  ;  you  fay  louers  peace, 
Is  feldome  purchas'd  but  by  enmity, 
Deriu'd  from  parents  :  fo  did  loue  encreafe, 
v  In  thefe  vnhappy  Louers,  who  were  croft, 
By  Parents  meanes,  of  what  they  fancied  moft. 

Tell  me  then  hapleffe  louer,  haft  thou  caufe 
To  grieue  at  that  which  others  haue  endur'd, 
As  if  thou  wert  quite  priuiledg'd  from  lawes, 
Firme  in  thy  felfe,  from  louers  hate  fecur'd, 
"  O  no,  beleeue  it,  prickles  hath  the  Rofe, 
"  Tliefweet  Jterfower;  the  hony-Bee  her  fling, 
"  Loue  though  a  toy,  yet  fliee's  a  toilefom  tiling. 

R  4  Repofe 


248 

Repofe  thee  then  vnhappy  louer  heere, 
And  fee  loues  fal  in  tragick  meafures  fram'd, 
That  when  thou  feeft  a  louer  loofe  his  deere, 
Thou  of  like  chance  may  neuer  be  afham'd 
Since  thou  art  but  as  other  louers  were. 

"Forjhame  its  none,  to  loofe  whats  fcarce  begun, 
"  Butjliame  is't  not  to  doe  wliat  Jlwuld  be  done. 

Your  paffion-pittier, 

Richard  Brathwaite. 


249 


The  Author  vpon  his  infant 

Poeme. 

IF  ought's  amifle,  imputed  let  it  be, 
Toth1  time  wherein  this  Poeme  it  was  writ, 
Which  was  (I  muft  confefle)  my  infancy 
Of  Age,  Art,  Judgement,  Knowledge,  and  of  Wit : 
Nor  doe  I  thinke  it  would  this  time  befit, 
To  meddle  with  my  youths  minority. 
Vnpolifht  and  vnhewd,  I  therefore  fend  it 
Freely  toth'  World,  that  (he  may  friendly  mend  it. 


Vpon  the  Preffe. 

TRide  would  I  bin  byth'  Country,  Bench,  &  Prince, 
Yet  but  a  month  agoe,  no  longer  fmce, 
Was  I  for  fpeaking  (as  it  may  be  thought) 
And  not  for  filence  to  the  prefle  thus  brought, 
ludge  you  my  friends  what  confcience  there  is  in't : 
By  th'  weights  I  beare  the  errors  of  the  Print. 


250 

The  Argument  of  Pyramus  and 
Thysbe. 

f~*Hildrens  loue  and  Parents  hate, 
V_/Ai9V  affeftion  eras' d  by  fate. 
True  their  loue,  fo  true  to  eitJier, 
That  they  chufd  to  die  together. 
Curteous  woodnimphs,  Tigres  fierce, 
"  Wajli  with  teares  tlicir  doleful  Jiearfe, 
Mirtle  branches,  rofesfweete, 
"  Satyres  ftrow  about  tJieir  feete. 
Woodnimphs  with  tJieir  Syrens  voice, 
Call  their  parents  by  their  noife. 
Who  with  pace  (flow  pace  God  wot,) 
"  Made  haft  they  could,  yet  hafted  not  \ 
Till  they  f aw  their  children  lie, 
"  Anne  in  armefull  louingly. 
Oft  they  fought,  but  all  in  vaine^ 
To  bring  life  to  tJtem  againe. 
Trickling  teares  came  dropping  doivne, 
"  Groues  with  teares  were  ouerflowne> 
Water  mixt  with  crimfon  blood, 
"Made  a  deluge  where  tJiey  flood. 
Thisbees  obfequies  they  fee, 
"  Grauen  in  an  Oliue  tree, 
Their  bones  to  ajhes  they  doe  burne 
And  place  them  in  one  f  acred  vrne. 
That  as  tJieir  loue  was  all  in  all, 
So  tJiey  might  haue  one  Duriall. 

To 


To  this  JJirine,  this  ftatue  faire, 

Loners  wont  for  to  repayre. 
Who  to  confirme  their  Jlncere  Loue, 

Offered  them  a  Turtle  Doue. 
But  when  tlteir  reliques  fcattered  were, 

Maids  nere  after  offered  there 
Tlieir  wonted  incenfe,  butforfooke, 

The  Altar  which  was  wont  to  f moke, 
With  mirrhe  and  thime,  which  they  did  burne, 

Withfolemne  rites  about  their  vrne. 
Yet  left  their  fame  Jhould  fo  decays 

Their  tombe  is  to  befeene  this  day, 
Which  firft  ereEled  was  to  be, 

Conferuer  of  their  memory. 


Nimrods 


252 


Pyramids  and  Thysbe. 

NImrods  faire  City,  beauteous  Babylon, 
which  admirations  eies  once  gaz'd  vpon, 
Though  grac'd  in  all,  in  nought  fo  gracious, 

as  in  her  Thysbe,  and  yong  Pyramus. 
Thysbe  a  maid  as  faire,  as  faire  could  be, 

he  for  his  fexe,  was  full  as  faire  as  fhe. 
Thefe  two  refplendent  flarres,  fhone  in  one  fphere, 

and  by  contiguate  manfions  bordering  neere, 
Renewd  their  loues  vnhappy  memory, 

preff'd  downe  too  much  by  parents  iealoufie, 
Aye  me  too  iealous,  to  preuent  that  good, 

of  fincere  loue  which  cannot  be  withflood. 
Thefe  two  debarr'd  of  meeting,  not  of  louing,      (uing 

for  loue,  though  fmothred,  hath  an  inward  moo- 
Sought  means  to  fhew  their  mutual  loue  by  woing, 

fupplying  that  in  words,  they  mift  in  doing. 
Their  walls  abutting  neree,  fo  neere  did  meet, 

That  thefe  two  Saints  might  each  another  greete. 
A  chinke  there  was,  which  Thysbe  foone  efpies, 

for  maids  in  wanton  feats,  haue  Linceus  eyes. 

Which 


The  true  Loners  knot.  253 

Which  beeing  feene  (well  feene)  fhe  did  repaire 

each  morne  betime  to  fee  if  he  were  there  : 
At  laft  he  fpies  it,  (men  haue  duller  witte, 

then  women  haue,  yet  better  manage  it.) 
This  crany  was  the  fhrine  to  which  they  came, 

where  either  call'd  on  other,  by  their  name. 
And  with  deuotion  ech  to  other  kneeled, 

protefting  loue,  hid  loue,  fo  long  concealed. 
Why  fhould  our  Parents,  Pyramus  would  fay, 

feeke  to  protract  our  loues  by  long  delay  ? 
Or  why  fhould  we,  with  fuch  precifeneffe  fhunne, 

that  which  our  parents  long  before  haue  done  ? 
Suppofe  their  loue  was  pure  :  our  loue's  as  pure, 

they  full  as  fond  as  we,  were  drawen  to  th'  lure. 
And  why,  my  Thysbe,  fhould  that  comely  face, 

for  all  her  feature,  haue  a  ciphers  place  ? 
Thou  art  no  fhadow,  but  a  fubftance  (deare) 

in  fubftances,  impreffions  beft  appeare. 
Then  for  my  loue,  thy  ioy,  and  beauties  fake, 

that  feemes  eclypf'd,  let  me  th'  impreffion  make, 
Lets  to  the  field,  aye  me,  we  cannot  goe, 

we  are  immur'd  within  the  grate  of  woe  ; 
And  why  fhould  I,  fond  man,  my  Thysbe  moue, 

to  wanton  pleafure  ?  vvhere's  no  vfe  of  loue  ; 
I  know  thou  lou'ft,  in  that  thy  griefe  is  more, 

pent  from  that  S'  which  thou  would  fain  adore. 
Thysbe  flood  peeping  through  this  narrow  chinke 

and  though  fhe  fpake  nought,  yet  fhe  more  did 
Her  blufh,  her  fmile,  her  biting  of  her  lip,         (think, 

did  all  the  fecrets  of  her  hart  vnrippe. 

Thus 


254  Loues  Labourinth,  or 

Thus  whilft  they  flood  both  (landing  at  a  bay, 

wifhing  fome  priuate  paflage,  or  fome  way, 
To  confummate  their  vowes  :  in  comes  her  mother, 

which  made  them  take  their  leaue  one  of  another. 
She  fkoold  her  daughter :  what  my  trickfie  girle, 

are  you  befotted  with  this  worthlefle  pearle, 
This  beauties  bloffome?  faire  enough,  but  poore, 

dote  on  the  rich,  affe<5l  his  rags  no  more. 
Mother  (quoth  Thisbe}  you  are  much  decau'd, 

if  I  may  fpeake  with  reuerence,  he  nere  crau'd 
Loue  at  my  hands  :  what  did  he  here,  quoth  flie, 

that  he  fo  priuate  fhould  difcourfe  with  thee  ? 
He  is  (quoth  Thisbe}  come  from  Salamine,         (vine 

and  brought  me  grapes,  pluckt  from  that  tender 
j*Etolus  planted,  which  me  gaue  in  haft, 

vnto  her  mother,  praying  her  to  taft  : 
Shee  tooke  and  tafled  :  fruits  variety 

feru'd  at  that  time  for  her  Apology. 
The  pitchy  (hade  of  night  approach't  at  hand,      (mad 

when  Screech-owles,  Fauns,  and  Satyres  haue  co- 
Where  skipping  in  their  lawne  and  flowry  groue, 

Siluane  to  Siluane  confecrates  his  loue. 
Yet  when  each  chirping  bird,  goes  to  her  neft, 

loues  eyes  be  open,  and  can  take  no  reft. 
Beafts  to  their  caues  refort,  furceafe  to  prey, 

feeding  on  that  they  purchaf'd  by  the  day. 
Each  creature  in  his  kind  difpos'd  to  fleepe, 

but  feruent  loue  continuall  watch  doth  keepe  : 
He  tofleth  in  his  bed,  wifhing  it  day, 

Hoping 


the  Ttrue- loners  knot.  255 

hoping  thereby  his  cares  to  throw  away. 
Yet  when  the  night  is  paft,  the  day  yeelds  more, 

then  ere  the  night  afifoorded  him  before : 
Thus  Pyramus  enthrall'd  twixt  hope  and  feare, 

hopes,  though  fmal  fruit  of  hope  in  him  appeare. 
He  cannot  fleepe  nor  wake,  but  twixt  them  both, 

fleeping  and  waking  as  a  letharge  doth. 
Oft  would  he  hugge  his  pillow  in  his  arme, 

and  cling  it  faft  about,  to  keepe  it  warme. 
Suppofing  it  was  Thysbe,  and  would  fweare, 

no  creature  ere  could  be  more  welcome  there, 
Streight  would  he  call  on  Hymen,  then  inuite, 

his  friends  and  kinsfolke  to  his  nuptiall  rite. 
And  faigning  their  replies,  thanks  he  would  giue, 

vowing  requitall  once,  if  he  mould  Hue. 
Oh  what  diftraftions  haunt  a  louers  minde 

patting  thofe  bounds  which  nature  hath  affign'd, 
Nought  vpon  earth,  but  limits  hath  we  fee, 

but  boundleffe  loue  can  nere  contained  be. 
Hearbs  yeeld  a  foueraigne  cure  to  euery  wound, 

but  for  loues  cure,  in  hearbs  no  vertue's  found. 
Then  bleft  is  he,  and  in  an  happie  ftate, 

who  for  loues  dart  is  made  inuulnerate. 
Yet  was  it  hard  to  fee  and  not  to  loue, 

Thysbe's  admired  beauty,  which  could  mooue, 
Serpgts,  birds,  plats  brute  beads  which  grafe  &  feed, 

more  then  ere  Orpheus  with  his  muficke  did. 
Her  goulden  treffes,  pure  ambrofian, 

Fairer  then  all  the  twifts  Arachne  fpan, 

Shone 


256  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

Shone  far  more  bright  then  Pkcebus  gliftring  raies, 

by  all  mens  Judgements,  meriting  more  praife ; 
Her  corall  lip,  (no  lip)  but  ports  of  pleafure, 

which  feem'd  to  open  to  whole  mines  of  treafure, 
Appeard  fo  fweet,  that  all  was  fweet  about  it, 

for  I  am  fure  nought  could  be  fweet  without  it. 
Her  brefts  two  iuory  mounts,  mounts  may  I  cal  the 

for  many  vales  of  pleafant  veines  empall'd  them 
Thefe  like  two  borders,  did  such  fweets  difplay, 

that  who  lodg'd  there,  lodg'd  in  the  milkie  way. 
Below  a  fhady  vale,  aye  mee  that  (hade, 

which  nature  in  her  owne  defpite  had  made, 
Had  made  for  glory  of  that  facred  mount, 

with  the  fweet  Ne6lar  of  a  liuely  fount. 
A  ftill  diftilling  fount,  an  heauenly  riuer, 

for  theres  no  earthly  fpring  can  fpring  for  euer. 
Her  wanton  gate,  her  glance,  her  fmile,  her  toying, 

all  ioy'd  in  one,  mewed  pleafure  in  enioying. 
So  asb  Euphrates^  where  this  city  bounded, 

vents  vp  his  paflions,  for  he  oft  refounded 
Beating  his  bancks,  and  eccoing  in  the  aire, 

and  then  retiring  backe,  feem'd  to  defpaire. 
That  Thysbe  could  not  loue  a  fencelefle  one, 

at  which  repining,  he  would  make  his  mone. 
Hath  not  my  current  ere  renowned  beene, 

.  for  th'  eafie  paflage  of  my  quiet  ftreame  ? 
Hath  not  my  torrent  yeelded  much  content,     (fpent  ? 

to  gild  his  meanes,  whofe  meanes  where  wholly 
Haue  I  not  fuffered  much  ?  fuftain'd  great  paines, 

fraugh- 


the  True-louers  knot.  257 

fraughting  your  trauaile  with  a  double  gaines. 
And  for  fupporting  of  fo  many  fhippes, 

may  not  Euphrates  graze  vpon  her  lippes, 
Whom  thus  he  loues  ?  vnthankfull  coaft  (quoth  he) 

refpefting  leaft,  who  did  the  moft  for  thee. 
This  being  faid,  hee  could  expreffe  no  more, 

but  in  a  loue-ficke  paflion,  bett  the  fhore. 
And  to  c  confirme,  what  I  haue  heard  men  fay, 

he  left  his  courfe  and  tooke  another  way. 
If  fenceleffe  riuers  that  were  neuer  feene 

to  loue,  or  care  for  louing,  held  no  meane, 
In  their  affecting  Thisbe :  what  fhould  hee 

that  had  both  fence  and  reafons  purity  ? 
Pure  in  his  mind,  and  faire  in  beauties  fhew, 

Narcijfus  fecond  for  his  comely  hew : 
Lipp'd  like  Adonis,  Frycina  loued, 

fhaped  like  Alexis  Polly os  approoued. 
Grac'd  with  a  fmiling  countenance,  which  did  breed, 

a  louely  white,  mix'd  with  a  comely  red. 
Two  fparkling  eyes  pierciue  as  Diamond, 

which,  wherfoere  they  gaf 'd,  they  feem'd  to  woud, 
That  though  the  Sun  were  fet,  yet  his  bright  eies 

fhone  as  the  Beames  which  from  the  fun  doe  rife  : 
The  night  being  gone,  too  long  god  wot  in  going, 

her  wandring  lights  to  Tethis  banks  beftowing, 
Titan  came  peeping  in  at  Thyisbes  chamber, 

whom  ftie  reflected  with  her  locks  of  amber. 
Each  other  greeting,  as  if  had  beene  there, 

two  Suns  at  once,  both  in  one  hemyfphere. 

S  Hard 


258  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

Hard  was  the  combat,  but  more  hard  it  were, 

to  tell  whofe  beams  diffuf  'd  their  light  moft  clear, 
Yet  in  the  end  Titan  in  an  angry  mood, 

feeming  furpaft,  did  hide  him  in  a  cloud. 
Thysbe  puts  on  her  cloths,  bleft  were  thofe  cloths, 

thrice  happy  fhade,  that  fhadow'd  fuch  a  Rofe, 
Where  being  dreffed,  not  dreff'd  as  fhee  would  bee, 

fhe  tooke  her  to  her  praiers  religioufly.  (flow, 

High  heauens  (quoth  fhe)  from  whence  al  pleafures 

deigne  fome  of  then  on  Thysbe  to  beftow. 
For  by  your  power,  which  I  doe  much  adore, 

I  loue  but  that  which  you  haue  lou'd  before, 
Thou  thundring  loue,  did  dote  as  well  as  I, 

when  thou  dejired  with  Danae  to  lye  ; 
Which  to  effett,  tJwu  turrid  Jter  to  afliowre. 

a  Goulden  Jhowre  her  beauty  to  defloure, 
For  cloth' d  in  lightning,  Danae  denaied, 

to  ioyne  with  thunder  :  afterward  arraid 
In  dewie  mot/lure,  (moifture  we  do  loue,) 

Jhe  caft  off  Jhame,  and  did  thy  Jhape  approue. 
And  luno  lou's  Ixionfor  his  kijfe, 

Venus,  Adonis,  for  his  comelinejfe. 
Daphne  (poore  Laurell)  chafed  by  Apollo, 

running  as  f aft  before  as  he  did  follow. 
Thus  did  your  loue,  your  luft,  your  thoughts  renew, 

if  I  thinke  ill,  I  thinke  no  worfe  tJien  you. 
And  well -may  gods  with  womens  fexe  dif pence, 

Since  they  werefirft  authorifd  their  offence. 
My  hue's  not  f  potted  with  lafciuious  tutch, 

imleffe  it  be  by  louing  ouermuch. 

Nor 


The  trw  Louers  knot.  259 

Nor  branded  with  the  note  of  Infamie, 

but  pure  as  Delia  Queene  of  Chaftitie. 
Thoughts  are  the  worft,  my  actions  they  be  cleare, 

&  he'fe  no  man  whofe  thoughts  nere  foyled  were. 
Then  pardon  if  I  loue,  fuppofe  it  zeale, 

whofe  paffions  be  too  hote  for  to  conceale  : 
Leauing  her  Orifons,  compofed  of  Loue, 

loue  dallying  praiers  :  her  eyes  afide  fhe  moues, 
And  fees  the  chinke,  which  fhe  firft  faw  before, 

which  did  augment  her  dolors  much  the  more. 
For  fhee  recall'd  to  minde,  to  memory, 

her  mothers  chiding,  fathers  leloufie  ; 
Both  which  a  ftreame  of  teares  extract  from  her, 

as  if  pale  death  her  comforts  fhould  interre. 
Oft  would  fhe  call  on  louely  Pyramtts, 

with  fmothered  fpeech,  as  one  fufpitious  : 
Left  the  pure  ayre,  and  walls  adioyning  neere, 

fhould  prattle  loue  vnto  her  parents  eare. 
Oft  would  fhe  nibble  out  a  ftone  or  two, 

to  make  the  crift  feeme  bigger  to  the  fhow 
Of  her  deepe  loue  :  for  they  fufpe<5led  were, 

therefore  debard,  left  they  fhould  come  too  neer. 
Pyramus  pent  vp  all  this  while,  at  laft, 

gets  out  and  hies  him  to  the  chinke  as  faft. 
Where  what  difcourfe  their  mutuall  loue  affoorded, 

feem'd  by  the  Gods  in  heauen  to  be  recorded. 
Either  with  greedy  eye  gafmg  on  other,  (ther  : 

Thysbe  look'd  backe  fomtimes,  doubting  her  mo- 
For  fhe  fufpefled  much  her  iealous  eye, 

in  her  loues  prefence  to  be  euer  by. 

S  2  Enuious 


260  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

Enuious  wall,  oft  would  thefe  louers  fay, 

diuide  thy  felfe  and  let  vs  haue  a  way, 
To  meete,  to  kifle,  to  parley  and  relate, 

the  folemne  feftiues  of  our  nuptiall  ftate. 
Why  fliould  thy  marble  ftru&ures  hold  vs  out, 

whofe  loue  encircles  Babilon  about  ? 
Or  why  fhould  terrene  compofition  moue 

a  breach  or  Reparation  of  our  loue  ? 
Loue  is  celeftiall :  thou  a  marble  fhrine, 

why  fhouldft  thou  hinder  loue  that  is  diuine  ? 
And  yet  we  cannot  fo  ingratefull  be, 

but  we  muft  offer  vp  our  thanks  to  thee ; 
Our  vowes,  our  giftes,  our  beft  prifd  facrifice, 

in  that  thou  yeelds  a  passage  to  our  eyes, 
Yeelding  some  comfort  in  this  gloomie  night, 

fupplying  kiffes  with  the  vfe  of  fight. 
Loue  hath  fome  harmonic,  fome  fmall  agreeing, 

for  what  it  wants  in  tutch  it  hath  in  feeing. 
Hefperias  garden  was  by  ferpents  kept, 

whofe  euer  watching  eye-liddes  neuer  flept 
And  Colchis  Fleece  was  kept  as  warily, 

till  lafons  meanes  obtain'd  the  vi&orie 
So  be  our  loues  immur'd,  interred  rather, 

by  two  fufpicious  dames,  one  fubtile  father. 
Then  would  they  kiffe  the  wall  and  oft  entreat, 

that  in  companion  it  would  let  them  meet 
We  will  not  tell  our  parents,  nor  exprefle, 

who  twas,  gaue  way  vnto  our  happinefle, 
Louers  be  faithfull,  of  our  faiths  beleeue  vs,  (vs. 

fmce  this  ftraight  durance  cannot  chufe  but  grieue 

The 


The  true-louers  knot.  261 

The  wall  replyde  not :  yet  their  words  had  force, 

pierfmg  her  hardnefle,  foftned  with  remorfe. 
For  euer  fince,  as  well  it  may  appeare, 

the  marble  fheds  each  morne  a  Trickling  teare, 
Thus  did  thefe  louers  paffe  the  weary  morne, 

depriu'd  of  that  which  louers  bed  adorne, 
And  that  is  priuate  meeting,  which  being  miffing, 

we  beat  the  aire  but  with  conceit  of  luffing, 
A  vaine  conceit,  to  dally  with  delight, 

Expecting  fun-fhine  in  a  clowdy  night, 
Imparadif  d  in  ioyes  he  cannot  be, 

that's  clad  in  sable  roabs  of  mifery. 
Oh  then  conceiue  what  forrow  he  fuftaines, 

that  in  perpetuall  languifhment  remaines. 
O  what  diftraftions  do  his  ioyes  diffeuer, 

feeding  like  vultures  on  his  hart  for  euer. 
If  *Zeuxes  pictured  grapes,  fo  liuely  were ; 

That  many  birds  in  flocks  repaired  there, 
Pecking  vpon  his  ftatues,  and  did  browfe 

vpon  his  liuely  grapes,  meere  liueles  fhowes. 
Well  may  we  thinke,  that  loue  himfelfe  can  make, 

a  farre  more  liuely,  and  proportion'd  fhape, 
Then  a  poore  painter ;  though  his  Grapes  feeme  ripe, 

yet  they  were  drawne  from  loues  firft  Archetype. 
Then  loues  beft  picture,  Natures  admiration, 

Thysbe,  euen  Thysbe  made  for  recreation, 
May  well  be  thought  to  draw  each  bird  each  beaft, 

from  Paftures  greene,  vpon  her  lippes  to  feaft. 
It  were  a  feftiue  banquet  there  to  be, 

whofe  breath  is  Nettar,  breathing  deity. 

S  3  Heere 


262  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

Here  Pyramus  would  be,  if  heauens  would  grant  it, 

for  he  efteemes  no  treafure  whileft  he  wants  it, 
Since  fuch  a  lewell,  fuch  a  pretious  Gem, 

in  that  it's  rare,  is  more  admired  by  men. 
Thus  Tantalifed,  the  Gods  doe  feeme  to  loue  him. 

fetting  him  fruite,  but  fruite  too  farre  aboue  him. 
For  when  his  lips  (pure  lips)  fhould  but  com  ny  them 

they  mocke  his  lips  and  in  derifion  flie  them. 
Doft  flie  my  lips  (quoth  he)  6  doe  not  flie  me, 

for  what  I  doe,  I  doe  it  but  to  trie  thee, 
To  trie  thy  loues  which  though  our  parents  thwarted 

our  conioin'd  loue  difioin'd  fhall  nere  be  parted, 
Well  may  our  bodies  be  difioin'd  a  funder, 

but  loue's  to  head-ftrong,  none  can  keepe  it  vnder : 
Loue  is  free-borne,  it  cannot  feruile  be, 

to  begge  for  curtefie  with  a  bended  knee. 
Thysbe  kept  concord,  for  each  word  he  fpake, 

feem'd  her  retired  paffions  to  awake, 
Stird  vp  her  fpirit,  as  infpir'd  by  fate, 

making  her  ftout  that  was  effeminate. 
Continue  thy  intendments  fweete,  quoth  fhe, 

and  as  thy  fhadow  I  will  follow  thee, 
Faffing  a  fea  of  dangers  launching  deepe, 

till  I  the  fhadow  to  the  fubftance  creepe, 
Paffe  Oeta's  as  forreft,  fnow-cliued  Caiicafus 

Thysbe  will  follow  fteps  of  Pyrantus ; 
Thee  Riphean  Mountaines,  or  the  Hetririan  plaines, 

Each  morne  refounding  with  the  notes  of  fwains. 
If  thou  loue  Vinolus,  with  her  fragrant  fpices, 

or  Eriflhea  famous  for  deuices : 
Thysbe  will  follow  thee  with  fpeed  fhe  may, 

only 


The  true- Loners  knot.  263 

only,  her  trauaile  with  thy  loue  repaie. 
But  thefe  are  but  difcourfes  of  our  ill, 

which  if  not  cured,  be  augmented  ftill. 
For  that  you  know  renues  the  maladie, 

which  rubs  the  fore,  and  yields  no  remedie  : 
For  why  fhould  any  labour  me  remoue, 

From  that  admired  mirror  whom  I  loue. 
And  I  am  of  that  nature :  more  they  hold  me, 

from  fancying  thee,  more  pafiions  do  enfould  me, 
Then  plot  (my  Pyramus,}  contriue,  inuent, 

that  we  may  harbour  loue  in  loues  content, 
Till  wearied  with  ioy,  wearyed  too  foone, 

thou  leaue  adoring  of  the  watrie  Moone. 
Where  being  cloyed  with  the  fweetes  of  loue 

mayft  leaue  the  vale,  and  tafte  the  fruits  aboue. 
Thou  art  my  fheepheard,  I  will  be  thy  plaine, 

I  the  poore  cottage,  thou  the  homely  fwaine, 
Thou  fhalt  refrefh  thy  felfe  vpon  my  banckes, 

which  hauing  don,  I  know  thou'le  giue  me  thanks, 
For  my  diffufed  ftreames,  ftreams  meerely  fent, 

not  much  enforc'd  from  Thysbes  continent, 
Come  then,  for  why  (hould  any  marble  wall 

being  materiall  fubftance,  fo  appall 
Our  ardent  wifhes,  wifhes  which  proceede 

from  loue-fick  paflions,  which  more  paffions  feed. 
Let  our  diftilling  teares  congeal'd  in  one, 

disffolue  the  hardnes  of  this  flinty  ftone. 
Remorfe  may  moue  this  ftone  by  diuine  wonder, 

to  let  vs  meete,  diuide  herfelfe  a  funder. 
This  faid,  maine  riuers  of  diftreaming  teares, 

in  their  woes-torrents  purblinde  eies  appeares, 

S  4  Seeking 


264  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

Seeking,  but  feeking  all  in  vaine  God  wot, 

to  moue  that  fhrine,  which  weeping  moued  not. 
//  wept  to  fee  true  loue  fo  ftraite  confinde, 

difioyn'd  by  fates,  which  fauours  had  combinde. 
It  wept  to  fee  their  parents  fo  vnkinde, 

to  curbe  their  bodies  prefence,  whofe  pure  minde, 
Rapt  with  content  of  feeing,  not  enioying, 

acts  difcontent,  debard  of  further  toying. 
It  wept  to  fee  their  minds  fo  well  agreeing 

in  one  felfe  place,  not  to  haue  one  felfe-being. 
It  wept  and  much  repin'd  that  difmall  fate, 

Should  crofle  pure  loue  by  loue-difioyned  hate  : 
And  pittying  their  cafe  fhed  many  a  teare, 

Shedding  fo  many,  fhe  her  felfe  did  were. 
Oh  what  hard  harted  parents  had  thefe  two, 

fmce  what  the  ftones  allow'd,  they'l  not  allow, 
Reproouing  that  in  theirs,  themfelues  affected, 

foiling  their  youth  with  what  their  youth  refpected 
Are  thefe  the  fruits  and  honours  of  our  time, 

the  fruitleffe  bloffomes  of  a  fterile  clyme  ? 
Are  thefe  our  louing  Sires  ?  oh  no,  they  are  hard, 

to  preffe  downe  loue,  that  cannot  be  debar'd. 
You  high  refplendent  heauens,  whofe  cherifhing  heat 

with  feafoned  warmth,  our  fpacious  borders  greet, 
Temper  fuch  parents  hearts,  as  are  not  won, 

till  both  their  line  and  linnage  be  vndone. 
Soften  their  ftifned  minds,  oppreff'd  with  rage, 

playing  fharpe  tyrants  in  declining  age. 
For  why  fhould  they  find  fault  their  children  play, 

fmce  in  their  prime  they  playd  as  much  as  they. 

Decrepit 


The  True-louers  knot.  265 

Decrepit  age,  (lilted  for  want  of  ftrength, 

with  brinifh  teares  deplores  their  fins  at  length  ; 
But  thus  I  confter't :  They  their  age  deplore, 

theyr  youth  is  fpent,  and  they  can  doe  no  more. 
And  like  an  enuious  viper,  would  haue  none, 

to  vfe  their  ftrength,  becaufe  their  ftrength  is  gone. 
But  old  age  ers  in  this  :  experienc'd  wit 

fwaies  their  proceedings,  youth  abandons  it. 
Nor  doe  they  know  what  hurt  poore  maides  receiue, 

to  pen  them  vp  from  that  they  wifh  to  haue. 
For  though  they  be  immur'd  in  walles  of  Braffe, 

Loue  hath  her  loope-holes  by  which  Jhe  will  pajfe, 
Infpite  of  iealous  'dotage ;  and  efpies 

fome  priuy  chinke,  though  wacht  by  %  Linceus  eies, 
For  loue  enclof'd  like  raging  elements 

of  fire  and  water,  though  imprifoned,  vents, 
And  muft  eruption  haue,  it  cannot  be 

an  heauenly  motion  fhould  want  libertie. 
^Eurydice  though  fhes  enforc't  to  dwell, 

in  Stygian  Plutoes  court  infernall  hell, 
Yet  her  tranfmounting  paflions  doe  remoue 

themfelues  from  hell  vnto  the  earth  aboue. 
Poore  fwaine  Dorinda  though  by  Satires  kept, 

in  a  vaft  caue,  whofe  watchfull  eies  nere  flept, 
But  with  reflexion  both  by  night  and  day, 

had  fpeciall  care  left  fhe  fhould  get  awaie, 
Comforts  her  felfe  in  louing,  fearing  not, 

but  chaft  defires  ore  long  would  get  her  out, 
Loue  is  enfranchifd  not  in  bonds  retained, 

fpotleffe  as  Chriftall,  for  no  foile  can  ftaine  it. 

The 


266  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

The  boiftrous  windes  (hut  vp  in  iron  grates, 

on  each  occafion  and  intendment  waites, 
When  they  come  forth  their  tempefts  hurrie  more 

grieu'd  at  their  durance,  then  they  did  before. 
That  morn  which  feds  her  glittering  raies  too  foone, 

fables  her  funne  in  cloudes  ere  it  be  noone, 
But  when  its  long  ere  that  her  beames  appeare, 

we  doe  prefage  ere  night  they'le  fhine  more  cleere. 
'  Thetis  exiled  from  her  marine  feate, 

a  willing  exile  with  the  Sea-nimphs  meetes, 
To  celebrate  Achilles  funeralls, 

in  fable  robes,  in  difmall  feftiuals. 
Each  wept  whole  flouds  of  teares  to  wafh  his  hearfe, 

whereon  engrauen  was  a  doleful  verfe ; 
That  no  hard  harted  paffenger  came  by, 

but  feeing  it,  would  fheede  teares  inftantly : 
Some  made  relation  of  his  valiant  fpirit, 

fome  of  the  glory  which  his  acts  did  merit : 
And  wofull  Brujis  one  amongft  the  reft, 

being  his  captiue,  whom  fhe  loued  beft, 
Emburied  him  with  liquid  flreames  of  forrow, 

renewing  griefe  with  each  renewing  morrow. 
So  did  thefe  louers,  louers  too  fmcere, 

rife  ere  the  morning  dayftar  could  appeare, 
Bewayling  much  their  parents  frowardneffe, 

that  kept  them  from  the  fupport  of  happineffe. 
Happie,  if  happy  in  enioying  loue, 

to  fee  the  Turtle  billing  with  the  Done, 
The  skipping  Kid,  the  Goate,  the  penfiue  Hinde, 

conforting  each  with  other  in  their  kinde  : 

Yet 


The  trm-louers  knot.  267 

Yet  thefe  two  louers  are  debard  from  this  ; 

what  brute  beafts  haue,  they  haue  not  but  in  wifh  : 
And  wifhes  yield  fmall  comfort,  poore  releefe 

to  fuch  as  are  preft  downe  with  heapes  of  griefe. 
O  that  heauens  fplendor,  her  tranflucent  eie 

mould  fee,  and  feeing,  pittie  miferie, 
Yet  fuffer  man  to  be  oppref 'd  therewith, 

Making  him  die  a  neuer  dying  death. 
Or  why  mould  man  endu'd  with  reafons  light, 

in  his  owne  bowels  harbour  fuch  a  fight, 
As  may  fubuert  the  pallace  of  the  foule, 

ecclipfing  it,  making  her  bewty  foule  ; 
Conuerting  that  by  her  depraued  will, 

as  firft  feem'd  good  to  fome  apparant  ill ; 
Not  gathering  hony  from  each  bitter  flower 

of  difcontent,  nor  reaping  fweet  of  fower, 
But  in  diftra6lions  paflionate  we  run, 

in  headlong  courfe  till  that  we  be  vndone  : 
And  then  defpairing,  we  refide  in  woe 

fhut  vp  in  melfes  :  we  know  not  where  to  goe. 
The  fillie  Bee  that  labours  in  her  hiue, 

in  her  Hyblaean  works  addres'd  to  ftriue, 
With  nature  in  proportion  :  feemes  to  make, 

more  for  her  felfe  then  nature  for  her  fake, 
In  her  digefting  and  difpofmg  fit, 

what  me  had  gathered  by  her  natiue  wit, 
She  refts  fecure  of  loue,  worfe  hap  haue  we, 

oppreft  with  loue-fick  paflions  then  hath  me 
But  heauens  haue  fo  decreed  ;  this  is  our  lotte 

Creatures  that  haue  moft  reafon,  mojljtiould  dote. 

Thus 


268  Loues  labyrinth,  or 

Thus  each  ore-fhadowing  eu'ning  fliadowed  hope, 

ayming  at  loue,  loue  was  their  onely  fcope  : 
At  which  they  leuelled  :  But  ('las)  difdaine 

foaring  aloft,  the  frute  of  loue  retaines  : 
Lockt  from  all  comfort,  fhut  from  fweete  repofe, 

(he  to  their  parents  doth  their  loue  difclofe. 
Telling  them  how  their  children  made  repaire, 

vnto  a  chinke  which  breath'd  a  cooling  aire. 
Yeelding  content  enough  :  and  they  fhould  fee 

that  ere  long  time  Thyfbe  would  frutefull  bee. 
Their  parents  ftamp'd,  but  Tymon  moft  of  all, 

for  hee  was  rich  and  feard  his  daughters  fall. 
Yet  well  he  could  haue  brook'd  her  nuptiall  bed, 

if  he  were  rich  that  fhould  his  daughter  wed. 
Fie  on  fuch  Gould-adoring  parentage, 

that  refts  refpectlefle  both  of  youth  and  age, 
Who  meafure  loue  by  wealth  are  fure  to  haue, 

Midas  his  eares,  depriu'd  of  what  they  craue, 
They  wreft  their  childrens  minds  to  make  them  tafte, 

the  fweet  of  Gold,  which  works  their  baine  at  laft. 
m  Thus  parents  are  as  vipers  to  their  feed, 

fmce  they  their  venome  in  their  bofomes  feede. 
Which  like  to  Naptha  that  being  once  inflamed, 

Burnes  of  it  felfe,  and  cannot  be  reftrained. 
But  loue  the  more  reprefld  the  more  confin'd, 

encreafeth  fo  much  more  in  louers  minde.       (them, 
11  For  though  their  watchfull  eies  did  ftill  looke  ore 

Gods  pittying  their  diftres  did  more  deplore  them  ; 
And  loue  himfelfe  yields  foueraigne  remedy, 

to  thefe  two  louers  fraught  with  mifery. 

And 


the  true  Louers-knot.  269 

And  well  might  loue  yield  comfort  to  their  wounds, 

fince  he  his  paflions  on  like  paflions  grounds, 
For  he  (though  God)  did  doate  as  well  as  man, 

transforming  Leda  to  a  milke  white  Swan. 
loue  in  his  aiery  throne  with  piercing  eies, 

thefe  louers  griefes  from  high  Olimpus  fpies, 
And  fpying  them  oppres'd,  pref'd  downe  with  louing 

Their  humane  paflions  force  a  diuine  mouing. 
You  fruitfull  fprigs  fprung  of  a  fruitfull  tree, 

I  heare  your  plaints,  and  I  doe  pittie  yee, 
That  the  ioynt  tablet  of  two  louing  hearts 

fhould  be  deuided  into  feuerall  parts 
Hard-hearted  Parents,  made  of  Marble  fure 
Or  elfe  they  could  not  fuch  diftreffe  endure, 
That  their  owne  budding  bloffoms  which  did  grow, 

from  their  vnfeafoned  bofome  fhould  beftow 
Their  oile,  their  labour  in  affections  ftraines, 

yet  kept  in  thraldome  by  their  parents  reynes. 
But  I  that  haue  the  Regiment  aboue, 

rules  Cupids  arrows,  knows  the  vfe  of  loue, 
I  that  haue  poafted  down  from  heauens  high  fphere, 

to  Danae,  Io,  and  the  milke-maides  here, 
And  to  Latona  bewties  facred  Queene, 

yet  to  this  hower,  as  loue  I  nere  was  feene, 
Nor  euer  knowen,  fuch  was  our  diuine  power, 

tranfuming  fhapes  of  plants  and  roarie  mowers, 
Will  pittie  your  affections  and  apply, 

Vnto  your  wounds  are  prefent  remedy. 
For  we  (as  men)  do  naught  of  woemen  craue, 

but  what  they  well  may  giue,  and  we  may  haue. 

If 


270  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

If  the  orefhadowing  cloudes  whofe  duskie  face, 

obfcures  heauens  fplendor,  Sols  refulgent  grace  : 
If  mifty  vapours,  foggy  excrements, 

thickned  by  mixture  of  grofe  elements, 
If  Heauen,  earth,  Sea,  plants,  ftones,  or  ferpents  may 

yield  you  content,  or  can  your  woes  allay, 
Rely  on  me  ;  for  I  ones  high  diademe, 

was  firft  ordained  to  fuccour  wretched  men, 
And  by  the  flagrant  creffet  of  the  Sunne, 

wele  either  fee  your  minds  vnited  one, 
Or  elfe  my  power  mall  contradict  her  felfe, 

Making  affection  vaffaile  vnto  pelfe, 
Which  were  difcordant  mufique,  harfher  ftraines, 

then  ere  Pan  fung  among  his  countrie  fwains 
For  its  not  fit  that  hand-maids  fhould  command  vs 

or  fubiect  powers  mould  in  their  a6ls  withftand 
Pelfe  (worlds  tram)  in  loweft  ranke  mould  fit,     (vs. 

loue  as  a  Miftris  framd  to  manage  it  : 
For  who  will  contemne  the  daie,  the  night  adore, 

fet  beft  behinde,  and  worft  part  before. 
loue  hauing  in  companion  feene  their  woes, 

to  °  Hefperus  the  euening  ftar  he  goes, 
And  bids  her  mew  her  light,  for  by  her  aide, 

(he  might  yeeld  fuccour  to  a  helpleffe  maide, 
Hefperus  roufed,  rous'd  before  her  time 

in  heauens  horizon  ftreight  began  to  mine  : 
Ore  cannoping  heauens  beawtie  with  a  clowde, 

all  which  by  loue  himfelfe  was  well  allowde, 
Then  wandring  ftarrs  in  different  dignity, 

fent  out  their  lights  difparkled  orderly. 

Artto- 


The  true  Loners  knot.  2  7 1 

Arftophilax  begotten  of  the  beare, 

and  Cajfiopeia  likewife  did  appeare, 
The  Pleiades,  Orion,  with  the  reft, 

Ca/lor  and  Pollux,  whom  loue  loued  beft ; 
All  thefe  confort  and  make  one  conftellation, 

at  loues  command  for  louers  recreation. 
The  heauens  be-fprinkled  thus  with  fundry  lights, 

limit  the  day  by  bringing  on  the  night, 
To  comfort  wearied  fpirits  fpent  with  toyle, 

whofe  troubled  brains  the  night-time  fhuld  affoil. 
For  loue  at  firft  conceiuing  mortall  feede, 

amidft  his  labors  fome  repaft  to  need, 
Created  night  thofe  cares  to  take  away, 

which  had  beene  foftred  on  the  toilefome  day, 
Night  wifhed  night,  to  Louers  that  defire 

to  be  partakers  of  that  heauenly  fire, 
Cupid  (blind  boy)  infufeth  in  their  breft, 

which  once  infus'd  engendreth  their  vnreft. 
But  its  no  matter,  leaue  we  cannot  louing, 

though  bitter  fruits  redound  to  our  approuing  : 
This  gloomy  night  yeelds  comfort  to  their  wo,      (go, 

For  loue  had  fhowen  the  place,  where  they  mould 
To  Ninus  toomb,  a  toomb  to  bury  griefe 

fhaded  with  couert,  fit  for  loues  reliefe : 
Thefe  two  bleft  louers,  bleft  in  loues  appearing, 

addreffe  their  eye  for  fight,  their  eare  for  hearing. 
Left  their  fufpicious  Parents  mould  fift  out, 

Their  fond  intendments  which  they  went  about : 
The  Night  was  very  darke,  darke  nights  be  beft, 

For  fuch  as  on  the  day-time  take  no  reft. 

Since 


272  Loues  labyrinth,  or 

Since  each  difparkling  beame  which  doth  appeare, 

yeelds  to  a  Jealous  louer  caufe  of  feare. 
But  duskie  nights  which  Louers  beft  approue, 

giue  free  acceffe  of  parly  vnto  loue. 
Thisbe  loue-ficke,  for  loue  had  made  her  ficke, 

time  thus  occafioned,  findes  a  pretie  tricke 
To  gull  her  keepers  and  her  Parents  too, 

which  who  can  blame  her,  all  that  loue  will  doe : 
Deere  be  our  Parents  loues,  their  wils,  their  bleflings 

by  which  we  profper :  deerer  be  the  kiflings 
Of  thofe  we  loue  fmcerely  from  our  heart, 

for  where  they  be  there  is  our  chiefeft  part. 
No  vnfrequented  defert  can  remoue 

our  hearts  from  them  whom  we  entirely  loue. 
No  diftance  can  difioine  vnited  mindes, 

no  labyrinth  fram'd  with  Meanders  winds  : 
We  reft  the  fame  or  elfe  it  cannot  be, 

that  our  affections  ground  on  conftancie. 
Thijbe  with  creeping  pace  pac'd  ore  the  floore, 

oyling  the  hinges  of  the  creeking  dore, 
Left  it  fhould  fhew  her  meaning  to  her  mother, 
whofe  eies  fhe  q  feared  more  then  anie  other. 
For  they  were  too  too  iealous  and  would  fpie, 

more  in  her  dealing  then  her  fathers  eye  : 
For  he  was  bed-rid  and  could  hardly  moue 

his  fenceleffe  ioints  and  knew  not  what  was  loue : 
Yet  this  bed  full  of  bones,  this  fap-leffe  wretch 

had  fap  within  his  cheft,  for  he  was  rich ; 
And  more,  for  which  all  wifemen-may  deride  him, 
he  euer  lov'd  to  haue  his  golde  befide  him. 

For 


The  true-louers  knot.  273 

For  on  his  trafh  he  was  fo  deeply  rooted, 

that  he  (fond-man  could  neuer  fleepe  without  it : 
Thus  had  he  much,  yet  he  defir'd  much  more 

his  gold,  his  Idole  which  he  did  adore. 
And  though  he  had  no  vfe  for  that  he  got, 

yet  he  from  raking  more  furceafed  not 
Which  punimment  was  firft  inflicTd  by  loue, 

Rich  men  fhould  haue  no  vfe  of  what  they  loue  ; 
But  in  an  in-bred  appetite  to  golde, 

delight  to  haue  it  euery  minute  tolde  : 
Which  being  done  making  an  endleffe  paine, 

they  tell  their  trafh  and  put  it  vp  againe. 
Thus  did  this  aged  Tymon  :   and  refpe&ed, 

wealth  more  then  youth  of  girles  moft  affected, 
For  richleffe  was  the  fcope  he  leuel'd  at, 

heele  call  none  fonnes  but  men  of  good  eftate. 
Worth  worthleffe  feemes,  if  worth  haue  no  retire, 

nor  meanes  by  which  their  honour  might  afpire. 
For  beggar  Irus  whofe  eftate  was  poore, 

made  Ithacus  to  driue  him  out  of  dore. 
And  feeing  him  arraide  in  beggars  lift, 

in  furious  paffion  flew  him  with  his  fift 
Thus  men  are  made  refpe<5lleffe  for  their  want, 

and  pouerty,  though  faire,  yet  whole  not  taunt  ? 
Deeming  them  moft  vnfit  of  honours  throne, 

that  haue  more  wit  then  fortune  of  their  owne, 
But  he  that  poifeth  worth  as  worth  mould  be, 

will  not  obfcure  true  worth  for  pouertie ; 
Being  the  fubftance  and  maine  difference, 

twixt  fauage  beafts  and  humane  excellence. 

T  And 


274  Loue  labyrinth,  or 

And  more  is  trafh  inferior  to  the  minde, 

then  pith  of  trees  fuperior  to  the  rinde  : 
Thysbe  efcaping,  hies  her  to  the  place 

which  was  appointed  :  her  admired  face 
Caft  fuch  a  luftre  on  the  plaines  belowe, 

as  fteepy'mountaines  couered  with  fnow. 
In  Maiden  white  appareld  :  maides  fhould  be 

arraied  fo  to  fhew  their  modeftie  ; 
Such  piercing  eyes  fhe  had,  which  fhon  fo  bright, 

that  they  gaue  day  vnto  a  gloomy  night : 
So  that  each  Wood-nimph,  Faune  and  Satyre  there, 

rofe  from  their  caues  perceiuing  light  appeare. 
Siluanus  god  of  woods  and  defert  groues, 

his  fhaggy  head  from  off  his  pillow  moues  ; 
And  halfe  afleepe  feeing  his  arbour  fhine 

and  all  about  him,  long  before  his  time 
He  girds  his  quiuer  to  him,  and  drew  neere    (cleere  : 

to  Nintis  toombe,  where   fun-beames   fhon  moft 
Where  he  no  fooner  came  ;  ay  me !  too  foone 

to  that  vnluckie  fhrine  that  ominous  toombe : 
But  feeing  her  he  caft  all  fleepe  afide, 

fewing,  and  futing  Thysbe  for  his  bride. 
Mirror  of  women,  beft  of  Natures  art,  (heart 

heare  a  poore  wood-god  that  hath  pledg'd  his 
To  thee  and  to  thy  feature  :  heauenly  queene 

that  would  thefe  flowrie  thickets  well  befeeme, 
Sit  thee  downe  here :  this  is  an  arbour  fweet, 

where  al  the  wood  nymphs  vfe  each  euen  to  meet 
Making  a  concord  ;  whofe  mellifluous  found, 

would  glad  the  birds  and  all  the  desert  round  : 

The 


The  True-loners  Knot.  275 

The  Nimphs  fhall  make  their  praiers  and  renew, 

each  morne  their  hymnes,  that  they  may  pleafure 
The  Mufes  nine  from  Pyerus  fhall  defcend,         (you 

and  to  our  mufique  their  attention  lend, 
Where  if  there  anie  difcord  chance  to  be, 

Mufes  themfelues  will  yeeld  a  remedie. 
There  Clio,  Erato,  and  Melpomene, 

Euterpe,  Thalia,  and  Calliope, 
Terpfychore,  Vrania,  and  that  fweet 

tong'd  Poly-himnia  fmging  at  thy  feet 
All  thefe  fhall  grace  thee  in  this  rurall  plaine, 

if  thou  canft  brooke  to  loue  a  Countrie  fwaine : 
Yet  am  I  borne  more  high  then  mortall  men, 

deriu'd  from  gods  euen  of  immortall  ftem, 
1  Sprung  my  beginning,  therfore  fcorne  not  me, 

fince  if  thou  match  thou  match's  with  deitie. 
The  flowery  fhrubbs  thou  feeft  doe  I  command, 

nay  euen  the  Cedar  which  fo  high  doth  ftand, 
Refts  at  my  power  :  there  is  no  branch  doth  grow, 

whofe  moifture  doth  not  from  Syluanus  flow. 
The  fweeteft  fpices  of  Arabia, 

the  preciou'ft  perfumes  breth  in  Lidia, 
Smell  by  my  meanes  :  for  my  celefliall  power 

can  make  each  ftinking  weede  a  fragrant  flower. 
Then  deare  affect  me,  for  no  perfume's  good 

if  I  want  thee  that  perfumes  euery  Wood. 


T2  The 


276  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 


Thysbees  replie. 

IF  you  (quoth  Thysbee)  as  you  doe  profefie, 
deriue  your  birth  from  gods  then  fhew  no  lefle  : 
For  its  not  fit  that  gods  with  ftarres  araid,         (maid, 

and  heauens  immortall  fphaeres,  fhould  loue  a 
n  A  Countrie  laffe  beft  fits  a  Countrie  fwaine, 

his  oaten  pipe  beft  fuites  with  her  harmy?ro7«£, 
Thofe  gods  that  in  Olympus  regiment, 

fit  and  beare  rule  skorne  bafer  elements. 
Then  if  you  be  diuine,  as  fure  you  be, 

furceafe  your  fuite  which  yeelds  indignity, 
To  that  high  of-fpring  whence  you  did  proceed, 

ftaine  not  your  loue  with  any  mortall  feed. 

Doth  mine  high  linage  (quoth  Syluanus)  fhew, 

that  I  am  too  diuine  to  match  with  you  ; 
Thou  art  fure  born  of  that  ambrofian  airet 

which  loue  infus'd  in  me  :  thou  art  too  faire 
To  be  of  mortall  race,  oh  do  not  then 

debafe  that  faire  fo  much  to  mach  with  men  : 
Yet  if  thou  wilt  not  match  but  with  a  fwaine, 

He  be  no  god  that  I  thy  loue  may  gaine. 
A  Shepheards  habite  I  wil  take  vpon  me, 

if  in  that  habite  I  may  liue  with  thee. 
For  credit  me  (heauens  faint)  if  thou  partake 

of  man,  all  men  ile  honour  for  thy  fake  : 
Then  loue  Siluanus,  doe  not  blufh  be  free, 

loue  god  or  fwaine,  Syluanus  both  will  be. 

T/iysbe 


the  True-louers  knot.  277 


Thisbees  reply. 

IT  ill  becomes,  quoth  fhe,  your  peereleffe  ftate, 
with  filly  maides  to  be  importunate  : 
You  fhould  protect  our  weakneffe  and  defend 

our  brittle  fexe,  and  euer  be  a  friend 
To  womans  weake  proceedings,  ceafmg  ftill 

to  drawe  deuoted  Virgins  to  your  will : 
We  that  are  confecrate  to  Vestas  fhrine, 

muft  in  no  lafciuious  meetings  fpend  no  time : 
If  thou  (quoth  he)  to  Vejla  dedicate 

thy  vowes,  thy  hefts  :  what  mak'ft  the  here  fo  late  ? 
For  well  I  know  dame  Vefta  cannot  bide 

her  maides  fhould  walke  alone  in  euening  tide. 
And  thofe  that  meane  to  fatisfie  her  will, 

muft  both  be  chaft  and  feare  fufpicions  ill. 
Thysbe  flood  mute,  fhe  knew  not  what  to  fay, 

without  reply  fhe  went  a  prety  way 
And  could  not  anfwer,  for  her  tripping  tongue 

and  modeft  filence  told  fhe  fpoke  awrong. 
For  fhe  nere  Vefta  lou'd  nor  Vejlas  order, 

but  this  was  beft  excufe  the  time  afford'd  her. 
Churlifh  Syluanus  (for  he  was  a  churle) 

fo  to  importune  a  poore  Countrie  girle, 
Halfe  mad  with  anger  that  fhe  would  not  yeeld 

vnto  his  fuite  :  takes  in  his  hand  his  fhield, 
And  raging  fternely,  fweares  he  meanes  to  goe, 

where  he  will  plunge  her  in  a  depth  of  woe. 

T  3  Are 


278  Loues-labyrinth,  or 

Are  you  fo  coy  (quoth  he)  that  youle  denie, 

to  ioine  with  gods  immortall  deitie  ? 
Wele  learn  young  girles  manners  if  we  Hue,   (grieue 

and  make  them  rew,  that  they  our  power  fhould 
With  this  he  went  faft  trotting  vp  the  hill, 

purfuing  hot  the  proiect  of  his  will. 
Intending  to  command  fome  fauage  beaft, 

vpon  her,  whom  he  lou'd,  he  lik'd  to  feaft. 
And  reaching  neere  vnto  the  hill  aboue, 

he  wagg'd  his  hand,  and  ask'd  if  fhe  would  loue  ? 
But  fhe  denied  him  loue  :  doe  you  denie  me  ? 

fond  ?  quoth  Syluanus,  fauages  fhall  trie  thee, 
And  thy  affection  :  which  no  fooner  faid, 

then  he  fent  out  a  Lion  to  this  Maide. 
A  Lion  new  returnde  from  rauening  pray, 

came  to  the  fount,  his  blood  to  wafh  away. 
Where  with  a  fhaking  pace  he  feem'd  to  come 

towards  the  place  appointed  Ninus  tombe. 
But  Luna  pitting  poore  Thysbes  cafe, 

fends  out  her  light,  to  tell  her  who  it  was 
That  now  approach'd  her,  whom  no  fooner  fpide, 

then  in  a  Caue,  poore  Thysbe  did  her  hide. 
But  out  alaffe  for  feare,  fhe  ran  fo  faft, 

that  fhe  forgot  her  tire 'through  too  much  haft  : 
For  fhe  all  breathleffe,  and  quite  out  of  winde, 

running  fo  faft  did  leaue  her  tire  behind. 
And  as  one  careleffe  of  her  weale  or  woe, 

diftreffed  thus,  fhe  knew  not  were  to  goe, 
Careleffe  of  what  fhe  left  or  what  fhe  had, 

not  knowing  what  was  good,  from  what  was  bad. 

Yet 


The  true- Louers  knot.  279 

Yet  nature  grafts  in  all  a  natiue  feare, 

by  which  th'  euent  of  all  things  doe  appeare, 
As  we  conceaue  yeeld  daunger  to  our  ftate, 

and  feare  by  time,  left  we  fhould  feare  too  late. 
Thus  fhe  pent  vp  within  a  defart  caue, 

with  fobs  &  fighes,  expreffe  what  fhe  would  haue, 
For  in  that  Caue  fhe  wifh'd  her  loue  were  there, 

For  loues  embraces  would  exempt  her  feare. 
Oft  did  fhe  thinke  the  Lion  ftaid  without. 

and  therefore  trembling  Thysbe  made  a  doubt, 
To  take  the  open  ayre,  but  pent  within, 

wifh'd  in  her  heart,  fhe  had  cara6lred  him, 
Whom  fhe  admires  and  loues,  whofe  fweet  refpe6l, 

makes  her  to  haue  her  parents  in  neglect 
But  he  too  flow,  aye  me,  too  flow  in  doing, 

being  fo  forward  in  his  formall  woing  : 
Staies  too  too  long,  being  more  warely  kept, 

by  fuch  fharpe  keepers,  that  all  night  nere  flept : 
But  as  one  grafmg  Hart  the  reft  doth  keepe, 

by  watchfull  eyes  warning  the  reft  that  fleepe ; 
So  euer  one  was  waking,  that  might  call 

vpon  the  reft  if  any  thing  befall  : 
The  Lion  hauing  quencht  his  fcorching  thirft, 

with  fpringing  water  which  he  long'd  for  firft  : 
Found  Thysbes  tyre,  and  with  his  bloody  pray, 

befmeard  the  fame,  which  done,  he  went  away. 
Now  in  the  end  Pyramus  tooke  a  time, 

a  time  too  late  to  anfwere  loue  diuine  : 
Yet  in  this  filent  courfe  of  nighterne  race, 

with  quick  recourfe  he  runs  vnto  the  place. 

T  4  So 


280  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

'So  that  to  fee  him  frolick  ore  the  plaine, 

were  worth  more  prife  then  zHipodamias  gaine, 
For  golden  apples  drew  her  tempting  eie, 

But  this  young  youth  affefts  no  vanity 
But  the  true  touch  of  loue  :  vaine,  if  abufed  ; 

but  precious  as  pure  gold,  if  rightly  vfed. 
Then  who  wil  blame  vs,  labours  to  endure, 

if  we  by  labours  can  our  loue  make  fur e  ? 
For  conftant  loue  no  trauaile  will  efchew, 

that  conftant  loue  by  trauaile  may  renew. 
Alcides  he  can  ferue  the  Lidian  queene, 

in  fpinning,  carding,  which  doe  ill  befeeme 
So  ftout  a  mirrors  magnanimity, 

but  he  muft  doe  it,  theres  no  remedy. 
For  when  his  manly  nature  did  withftand  it, 

one  glance  of  her  could  wel  enough  command  it. 
No  fpacious  confines  nor  indurate  labour, 

if  thefe  ore -part,  could  purchafe  ere  her  fauour, 
Would  he  refufe  :  one  fmile  reward  enough, 

for  all  the  labours  he  had  paffed  through. 
Thysbe  the  trophic  of  his  breathing  courfe, 

Thysbe  the  garland  which  doth  him  enforce. 
Her  he  refpe&s,  and  whiles  he  runs  apace, 

he  meditates  of  Thysbes  beuteous  face  ; 
Her  comely  feature  made  for  lAdons  fhrine, 

whofe  luory  orbs  like  Pelops  moulders  mine, 
Had  made  that  deep  impreflion  in  his  heart, 

that  Nature  feem'd  to  ftriue  with  Natures  Art. 
Nature  had  giuen  her  much,  Art  much  the  more, 
Art  decking  that  which  Nature  dres'd  before. 

For 


The  True-louers  knot.  281 

For  that  fame  creature  cannot  perfect  be, 

where  Art  and  nature  ioyne  not  mutuallie. 
If  you  would  haue  the  module  of  true  wit, 

Nature  creates,  but  Art  muft polifh  it. 
Thysbe  was  perfect  both  in  Natures  hew, 

and  artificiall  colours,  which  did  fhew, 
As  if  both  A  rt  and  Nature  fhould  contend, 

to  make  her  fuch  an  one  no  skill  could  mend  ; 
For  fhe  was  witty,  pregnant,  full  of  fauour, 

DiElinna  like,  fent  out  a  fragrant  fauour, 
That  when  fhe  walkt'  in  Babilons  faire  Jlreete, 

fhe  made  the  kennel  with  her  perfumes  fweet. 
Pyramus  comming,  comming  all  too  late, 

to  Ninus  tombe  expefls  his  bewteous  mate, 
Whom  when  he  could  not  finde,  he  fear'd  her  end. 

Feare  is  an  adiuntt  to  a  faitkfull  friend. 
Roundly  he  goes  vnto  the  filuer  fpring, 

where  all  the  water-nimphs  were  wont  to  fmg, 
In  honour  of  their  Goddeffe  and  her  bewty, 

to  whom  they  offred  hymnes  as  was  their  duty. 
He  afk'd  the  Nimphes  if  they  his  Thysbe  knew, 

defcribing  her,  and  eke  her  matchleffe  hew  : 
And  if  they  did,  he  praid  them  feeke  about 

their  Ne<5tar  fprings  with  him  to  finde  her  out, 
For  if  you  be  immortall,  as  you  feeme, 

and  dedicate  your  feruice  to  your  Queen, 
A  beter  feruice  fure  you  cannot  doe  her, 

then  to  redreffe  them  owe  their  feruice  to  her. 
This  if  you  will  in  your  companion  doe, 

I  fweare  each  morne  He  offer  thime  to  you. 

Better 


282  Loues- labyrinth,  or 

Better  then  any  Hyble,  can  affoord, 

with  mufick  fweete  to  which  the  heauens  accord, 
And  euer  reft  deuoted  to  your  ftirine, 

in  that  you  dayn'd  to  glad  this  heart  of  mine. 
The  water-nimphs  replide  with  curtuous  cheere, 

they  knew  none  fuch,  nor  any  did  apeare, 
But  if  it  pleafd  him,  they  their  fprings  would  feeke, 

exquire  each  bufhie  fhade,  each  priuate  creeke, 
To  fee  if  fhe  were  in  their  manfions  hid, 

which  he  aflented  to  ;  all  which  they  did  : 
But  when  with  watrie  tripping  they  had  fought 

both  brake  and  brier  ;  yet  could  not  finde  her  out, 
Wearied  with  their  diurnall  labour,  left 

Pyramus  fighing,  of  all  ioy  bereft ; 
Yet  did  thefe  nimphes  bemone  his  hard  miftiap, 

for  fitting  downe  vnder  Nereus  lap, 
They  turnd  their  Warbling  firings  to  that  fad  ftraine, 

that  all  the  woods  re-eccoed  them  againe. 
Each  in  their  order  fung  their  dolefull  verfe, 

as  if  it  had  been  ouer  Thysbes  hearfe, 
And  tun'd  their  odes  with  that  vnfeafoned  time, 

as  that  brute  beafts  to  pittie  did  incline, 
For  they  in  fable  colours  did  portend, 

that  their  two  loues  were  neere  a  tragick  end. 
Thus  fhadie  night,  Sea-nimphes,  ftars,  plan'ts  &  all 

prefage  to  them  and  to  their  loues  a  fall. 
Yet  Pyramus  though  fad,  for  he  was  fad 

to  haue  thofe  hopes  extinguifht,  which  he  had, 
Seeks  ftill  about  the  tombe  :  fad  tombe  (quoth  hee) 

that  hides  my  loue,  fo  much  admir'd  of  me  : 

Yet 


the  True  Loners  knot.  283 

Yet  if  thou  wilt  but  tell  me  where  fhe  is, 

I  vow  by  Heauens  He  pardon  whats  amifle, 
Yea  I'le  remit  thine  error  and  thy  wrong, 

for  keeping  her  within  thy  cheft  fo  long. 
Say,  wilt  thou  ?  tell  me  what  became  of  her  ? 

Didft  thou  her  bewty  in  thy  fhrine  inter  ? 
Didft  thou  immure  her  in  thy  marble  toombe  ? 

what  makes  thee  filent  ?  bewty  makes  thee  dumb  : 
Wilt  thou  fo  wrong  a  louer  to  conceal  e, 

From  him  the  mirrour  of  his  ioy,  his  weale, 
His  heart,  his  liking  euen  the  flower  of  youth  ? 

and  yet  conceiues  within  thy  heart  no  ruth. 
Fie,  fie  for  fhame  :  ift  fit  that  monuments 

mould  fo  ecclipfe  natures  beft  ornaments  ? 
As  to  obfcure  the  glory  of  her  face, 

that  where  fhe  is  giues  honor  to  the  place. 
Thou  much  abftra6ls  from  trophies  Ninus  won, 

in  doing  that  which  he  would  nere  haue  done. 
Thou  leffens  much  the  honour  he  obtained, 

loofmg  that  fame  which  Ninus  conquefts  gained. 
For  what  great  gaine  or  conqueft  i'ft  t'  haue  faid, 

I  haue  poffeffion  of  a  countrey  maide. 
A  young  vnnurtur'd  girle  fit  for  men, 

vnfit  for  liueleffe  tombes  which  couer  them  ? 
This  faid  this  doting  young  man,  blind  with  louing, 

thinking  ould  mouldy  mrines  had  liuely  mouing. 
Mou'd  with  her  loue,  whom  he  did  more  efteeme, 

then  any  gem  that  ere  on  earth  was  feene. 
But  when  he  faw  into  his  error  well, 

He  feem'd  thofe  loue-fick  pafllons  to  difpell, 

And 


284  Loues  labyrinth,  or 

And  to  repaire  vnto  his  fearch  againe, 

feeking  each  couert,  each  vnhaunted  plaine, 
Each  thick-fet  hill,  each  groue  that  he  might  finde, 

the  diapafon  of  his  troubled  minde. 
At  laft  too  foone,  by  feeking  long  he  found, 

(Thysbe)  not  Thysbe,  but  her  tire  on  ground. 
Vnhallowed  ground,  vnfeafoned  her  attire, 

to  croffe  the  paflions  of  an  hot  defire. 
Oh  now  conceiue  what  forrows  gall  his  breft, 

to  fee  the  tire  of  her  he  loued  beft, 
Befmeard  with  bloud,  for  it  all  bloudy  (hews, 

her  fanguine  colour  tinft  with  Lyons  iawes  ; 
Oft  would  hee  looke  vpon  it,  and  would  kiffe, 

the  tire  befmear'd  with  blood,  wifhing  it  his, 
His  fate,  his  fortune,  to  remaine  with  her. 

fmce  his  long  abfence  thus  had  iniur'd  her. 
How  to  remaine  (quoth  he)  fmce  me  is  dead, 

oppreff'd  by  death,  inclos'd  in  mourneful  weede  ? 
How  mould  I  Hue  with  her  whofe  life  is  gone, 

and  hath  left  me  (vnhappy  me)  alone. 
Die,  die,  with  her,  with  whom  thou  canft  not  Hue, 

For  thou  by  dying  malt  thy  life  repriue. 
And  haue  her  prefence  that  enthroned  is, 

in  perfect  ioies  of  heauens  Elifian  bliffe. 
Yet  ft  ay  awhile,  this  is  not  Thysbes  tire, 

ftay  there  (fond  wretch)  againft  thy  tongue  a  Iyer. 
This  was  her  roabe,  this  was  her  comely  weede, 

which  hauing  loft  her  owner  gins  to  bleede. 
Oh  loue  what  caufe  hadft  thou  thus  to  remoue 

two,  that  had  their  intentions  voud  to  loue, 

Or 


the  true  Louers-knot.  285 

Or  why  fhould  thou  this  faire  occafion  fhow  vs, 

which  being  fhowne,  doft  feeke  for  to  vndoe  vs  ? 
Be  gods  fo  iron-hearted,  to  requite 

conftant  affection  with  a  difmall  fpite  ? 
A  fharpe  reuenge  it  is,  to  fet  vs  on, 

and  then  to  leaue  vs  when  we  are  begun. 
Did  not  high  loue  yeeld  vs  more  hopes  then  thefe, 

when  he  commanded  Phoebus  to  furceafe, 
For  to  diffufe  his  beames,  bidding  him  go, 

retire  in  haft  vnto  the  fhades  below. 
Calling  for  Luna  to  fupply  his  place, 

fhrowding  heauens  luftre  with  her  clowdy  face. 
That  our  efcape  fufpe6led  leffe  might  be, 

by  the  darke  vaile  of  nights  obfcurity. 
But  heauens  I  fee,  repine  at  our  fucceffe,  (leffe, 

fmce  Gods  themfelues  by  Fates  haue  fhew'd  no 
To  plunge  my  weale  in  woe,  my  loue  in  teares, 

producing  nought,  but  fighes,  and  fruitleffe  feares. 
Thou  harm  tun'd  Neme/is,  thou  tragicke  ghoft, 

againft  whofe  a6ls  my  loue  declaimeth  moft  ; 
What  caufe  hadft  thou  to  fing  this  dolefull  fong, 

vpon  her  herfe  that  neuer  did  thee  wrong  ? 
She  neuer  raild  againft  thy  Soueraigne  power, 

but  like  an  harmeleffe  doue,  a  fragrant  flower ; 
Flourifh'd  fecure  at  home,  yeelding  content, 

by  gracefull  fmiles,  a  maids  beft  ornament : 
She  neuer  curb'd  thy  rage,  nor  did  me  mell 

with  ought  but  loue,  which  made  worft  for  her  fell : 
But  Fates  haue  made  the  inftrument  of  finne, 

refpe<5Ueffe  of  our  loffe,  fo  they  may  win. 

The 


286  Loues  labyrinth,  or 

The  pretious  fpoyle  of  Thysbes  bleeding  foule, 

whofe  fad  mifhap  the  plants  themfelues  condole. 
Yet  thou  remorfeleffe  art,  ill  may  betide  thee, 

that  wold  haue  none  to  loue  that  Hue  befide  thee. 
Yet  for  all  this  thou  canft  not  me  depriue, 

of  louing  her,  whofe  life  did  mee  reuiue, 
For  being  dead,  He  rather  chufe  to  die, 

then  liuing,  lofe  her  loving  company. 
This  faid  :  he  takes  her  tyre,  and  kifling  it, 

vpon  the  fountaine  banks  did  water  it, 
With  dewie  moiflure  of  ftill-flowing  teares, 

which  being  fhed,  renuing  drops  appeares. 
Teares  liquefied  the  arbour  where  he  fate, 

which  water  nimphs  perceiuing,  wondred  at 
Oft  would  he  beat  his  breft,  and  teare  his  haire, 

fhutting  his  hopes  in  clouds  of  deepe  defpaire. 
Oft  would  he  curfe  the  day,  the  houre,  the  night, 

that  banifht  him  from  Thisbes  gladfome  fight. 
Wifhing  that  night  had  neuer  beene  defcride, 

for  nere  did  night  more  harm  euents  betide. 
Oh  Pyramus,  and  then  he  figh'd  to  fpeake, 

for  gufts  of  forrow  made  his  hart-ftrings  breake. 
What  meant  thou  to  allure  a  fimple  maid, 

to  thefe  wild  woods  ?  her  loue  is  well  repaid, 
That  me  mould  come  vnto  the  place  affignd, 

and  thou  (bafe  coward)  come  fo  farre  behind. 
Thou  with  a  tardy  pace  came  at  thy  leifure, 

fuch  flow-pac'd  couriers  ill  deferue  fuch  pleafure. 
Thou  too  precife,  made  bones  of  what  thou  did, 

fuch  fond  precifenes  feldome  hath  good  fpeed. 

Shee 


The  true- Loners  knot.  287 

Shee  to  enioy  her  ioy,  cut  off  delay, 

that  Ihe  her  minds  perfection  might  difplay, 
And  with  a  courfe  as  quicke  as  Pegafus, 

run  ore  thefe  plaines  to  meet  with  Pyramus, 
Which  thou  requited  ill,  bafeft  of  men, 

which  time  fhall  character  with  fcandalls  pen. 
A  fcandall  to  thy  fexe,  and  to  thy  ftate, 

to  leaue  thy  loue  in  deferts  defolate. 
Oh  what  mifhap  had  fhe  to  loue  a  fwaine, 

that  could  not  yeeld  her  loue  for  loue  againe  ? 
Hard  was  her  fortune  to  affe6l  that  creature, 

who  for  a  childifh  feare  delaid  to  meet  her. 
The  gods  I  know  more  forward  would  haue  beene, 

to  meet  loues  Parragon,  fo  faire  a  Queene. 
As  for  her  beauty,  aye  me,  beauties  faire, 

with  Ericina  fhe  might  well  compare  ; 
And  farre  more  modeft  :   Venus  had  her  mole, 

but  nere  was  Thysbe  ftain'd  with  bewties  foile. 
But  thou  haft  ftain'd  her  beauty  by  thy  fault, 

ruin'd  that  fort,  which  neuer  had  affault, 
But  by  thy  felfe,  and  by  thy  felfe  too  foone, 

fince  by  thy  meanes  her  fhrine  is  razed  downe. 
Turne  thee  to  heauen,  and  loe  the  heauens  difmaid, 

to  fee  the  tragicke  downefall  of  a  maide  : 
Frowning  at  thee  that  was  the  caufe  of  this, 

caufmg  her  end  that  was  thy  Soueraigne  bliffe. 
Turne  thee  to  earth,  and  fee  her  turn'd  to  earth, 

which  makes  the  caues  below  refound  with  mirth 
That  they  enioy  which  thou  didft  once  enioy, 

reaping  their  comfort  from  thy  deepe  annoy. 

Turn 


288  Loues  labyrinth,  or 

Turne  thee  vnto  the  Sea,  and  thou  (halt  fee, 

The  Nymphes  and  Syrens  crying  out  'gainft  thee. 
That  fhould  make  promife,  yet  not  promife  hold, 

calling  thee  coward,  but  thy  Thysbe  bold. 
Bold,  to  aduenture  on  the  gloomy  night, 

bold  to  encounter  with  Latonas  light 
Bold  in  her  courfe,  fwift  in  her  curfme  mouing, 

bold  to  efcape,  and  conftant  in  her  louing  : 
Thus  heauen,  earth,  Sea,  concording  all  in  one, 

do  fimpathize  with  thy  difcording  mone. 
And  wilt  thou  Hue  for  this  ?  O  doe  not  liue, 

but  to  requite  her  loue,  let  earth  receiue 
This  little  All  of  thine :  which  when  they  haue, 

they  may  interre  two  louers  in  one  graue. 
Adioyning  to  this  fount,  a  rocke  there  was, 

fo  fteepe  and  craggy,  that  no  man  could  paffe. 
To  which  wilde  beafts  repair'd,  making  their  den 

in  th'  hollow  cauernes  which  did  couer  them. 
Which  feene  by  him  8  :  what  doe  not  louers  fee  ? 

with  face  delected,  thus  difcourfed  he. 
If  any  Lion  or  fierce  fauage  Beare, 

lodge  in  this  ragged  rocke,  or  coucheth  neere, 
Let  him  come  out,  for  heere  is  amorous  food, 

9  and  cooling  ftreames  to  wafh  away  our  bood, 
That  this  may  beare  record  by  euery  wight, 

two  faithfull  louers  perifht  on  one  night. 
But  thefe  are  but  delaies  which  cowards  vfe, 

10  their  trembling  paflions  feeking  to  excufe, 
Caft  off  vaine  feare,  feare  is  a  vaffalls  weede, 

and  place  true  Refolution  in  her  fteed. 

This 


The  true  Louers  knot.  289 

This  faid  "  with  praiers  vnto  his  houfhold  Gods, 

Off  ring  to  Venus  altar,  myrtle  rods, 
Which  grew  hard  by  that  fpring  where  he  did  fit, 

with  other  ceremonialls  which  befit 
A  louers  laft  farewell :  he  wifht  his  friends 

for  their  too  hard  reftraint  to  make  this  mends, 
And  to  ere£l  his  flirine  by  Ninus  tombe, 

as  witnes  of  his  loue  in  time  to  come. 
Which  faid  :  with  hand  refolu'd,  refolu'd  to  dye, 

with  fword  vnfheath'd,  he  ends  his  mifery. 
Thus  hauing  ended,  ended  ere  begun, 

for  thus  the  thred  of  his  fhort  life  was  fpun, 
The  fad  euents  and  obfequies  enfue, 

which  thus  in  briefe  my  Mufe  relates  to  you. 
Tkysbe,  poore  Thysbe,  trembling  all  this  while, 

fhut  vp  within  her  caue  :  began  to  fmile. 
And  with  a  cheerefull  countenance  caft  off"  feare, 

for  in  that  coaft,  no  ill  fhe  faw  appeare. 
And  much  delighted  with  her  fpeedy  courfe, 

vnto  the  fprings,  fad  fprings,  fhee  made  recourfe. 
She  tuck'd  her  cloaths  vp,  for  the  euening  dew, 

had  wafh'd  the  herbs  that  in  the  forreft  grew  ; 
And  tucking  vp  as  Country  maids  doe  vfe, 

the  high  bet  path  to  Ninus  tombe  to  chufe ; 
Where  fhe  (vnhappy  fhe)  no  fooner  came, 

then  like  NarciJ/us  eccho,  founds  his  name, 
Whom  fhe  affecTis,  admires,  whofe  onely  face, 

drew  her  (poore  wench)  vnto  that  difmall  place. 
Come,  come,  quoth  fhe,  thou  knowft  not  how  to  wo 

Come  to  thy  Thysbe  fhe  will  tell  thee  how. 

V  Shee 


Loue  labyrinth,  or 

She  wil  prefcribe  the  rules,  with  fruits  of  woing, 

for  fruitleffe  be  thofe  fruits  that  haue  no  doing. 
We  that  doe  hazard  our  good  names  for  men, 

if  they'l  not  pleafure  vs  :  what  profit  then, 
Of  all  our  toylfome  labour  we  fuftaine, 

that  reape  no  harueft  from  fuch  gufts  of  pain  ? 
We  patient  are  to  beare,  and  what  we  bore, 

we  doe  accept,  and  wifh  it  ten  times  more, 
That  we  might  pleafure  you  :  how  fond  are  we  ? 

The  weaker  fort  beares  your  infirmity. 
But  its  our  Nature,  Nature  hath  ordain'd, 

mans  ftrength  by  womans  weakneffe  is  fuftain'd. 
In  this  fame  cloudy  night,  with  what  defire, 

did  all  my  thoughts,  and  my  intents  afpire  ? 
To  that  fame  treafure  thou  haft  promif'd  me, 

promife  is  debt,  it  muft  be  kept  by  thee, 
With  what  affection  haue  I  croff'd  thefe  plaines. 

cheered  by  wood-nimphs,  finging  plefant  (trains, 
And  danf'd  Laualto  till  I  came  to  thee, 

longing  for  that  which  thou  didft  promife  mee. 
Sad  Philomela  skared  from  her  reft, 

fung  with  a  pricking  flothorne  at  her  breft, 
And  fung  of  Tereus  fomething,  what  I  know  not, 

which  if  I  knew,  yet  would  I  neuer  fhow  it. 
12  For  Tereus  impious  in  his  prophane  life, 

to  wrong  a  fifter,  and  fo  chaft  a  wife. 
Suftains  the  torture  of  his  wickedneffe, 

transform'd  into  a  Bird  :  whofe  filthinefle, 
Loues  marifh  places,  flies  the  folid  ground, 

good  reafon  why  :  his  confcience  was  not  found. 

For 


The  True- loners  Knot.  291 

13  For  Tireus  was  a  King  and  for  his  luft, 

by  loue  himfelfe,  was  from  his  fcepter  thruft. 
A  fenfuall  Prince  to  wanton  motions  ftirr'd, 

chang'd  from  a  prince,  vnto  a  loathfome  bird. 
Thus  did  I  paffe  the  filence  of  the  night, 

till  I  arriu'd  within  my  louers  fight, 
Which  yet  I  cannot  doe  :  oh  why  fhould  we, 

14  to  get  a  little  fport,  paune  modefty  ? 
Thefe  fhady  thickets,  and  that  fecret  caue, 

thofe  pratling  Sea-nimphes,  &  this  marble  graue, 
Beare  all  record  what  trauell  I  haue  taken, 

yet  like  a  Turtle  of  her  make  forfaken, 
Cannot  enioy  my  loue,  aye  me,  vnkind, 
,  that  feemes  inconftant,  to  a  conftant  mind. 
Why  mould  our  fauors  fo  deuoted  reft, 

to  them,  whofe  hardned  harts  bred  our  vnreft 
And  make  vs  fubiecl  to  more  inward  griefe, 

then  ere  their  comforts  can  affoord  releefe. 
But  thou  art  too  too  ram  :  (beleeue  me  fweet,) 

in  more  remiffe  Appearance  doe  I  greete, 
Thy  diuine  beauty  ;  pardon  what  is  faid, 

conceyue  no  harme  fpoke  by  a  harmeleffe  maide  ; 
For  if  thou  mould  (as  fure  I  thinke  thou  doft,) 

lie  hid  vnder  fome  bum,  and  hearft  this  noif'd, 
This  fhrowd  inueclion,  gainft  thy  loue  and  thee, 

thou  might  as  well  condemne  my  fpeech  and  me. 
Why  mould  I  fpeake  againft  fo  hallowed  mrine, 

to  whom  I  haue  bequeath'd  both  me  and  mine  ? 
Or  why  mould  I  detract  from  that  faire  funne, 

which  (if  ecclipf 'd)  my  gliftring  raies  bee  done  ? 

V  2  Then 


292  Loues  'Labyrinth,  or 

Then  enuious  thou,  to  daze  that  glorious  bright, 

whofe  firfl  arifmg  gaue  thy  fetting  light. 
Roufe  vp  thy  felfe  for  fhame,  and  honour  him, 

whom  if  I  get,  heauens  treafure  I  doe  winne. 
More  prife  and  richer  then  thofe  fifters  three, 

which  kept  the  apples  of  faire  JS  Hefpery. 
This  was  no  fooner  faid,  then  ferioufly, 

ech  Bufh,  ech  place,  fhe  fought  that  bordered  nie, 
Doing  as  children  vfe,  that  feeke  about, 

their  hid  companions,  till  they  find  them  out. 
Hard  by  this  tombe,  a  Mulbery  there  was, 

16  encircled  round  with  tuffs  of  greenefl  graffe  : 
Which  tree  look'd  once  as  white  as  white  could  be, 

but  now  was  chang'd,  like  to  the  Eben  tree,    (more 
*7  Whofe  blooms  were  black  as  ieat,  and  which  was 

it  loft  the  forme  which  it  retain'd  before. 
Vnder  thefe  fhady  fpraies,  lay  Pyramus, 

depriu'd  of  fence,  a  fcene  too  ominous. 
Which  when  poore  Thysbe,  iudge  what  tis  to  fee 

a  conftant  loue  in  fuch  perplexity  ? 
For  fure  I  am,  fuch  heapes  of  paffions  cloid  her, 

that  in  his  death  a  double  death  annoid  her. 
Long  time  fhe  brethleffe  flood  aboue  her  loue, 

depriu'd  of  fences,  for  they  could  not  moue. 
And  as  one  liuing  in  a  lethargy, 

hath  not  the  vfe  of  fences  faculty ; 
But  fleeping  feemes  fecure  of  any  ill, 

fo  in  this  fenceleffe  mouing,  flood  fhe  flill : 
At  laft  awaked  with  watry  drops  downe-falling, 

of  her  loues  name,  fhe  fell  to  inftant  calling. 

Calling 


The  trtie  Louers-knot.  293 

Calling  him  by  his  name  :  awake,  arife, 

with  that  he  heaued  vp  his  heauy  eies. 
Thysbe  (faith  (he)  calls  on  thee,  fie  awake, 

leaue  off  thy  fenceleffe  dulneffe  for  her  fake  : 
Thysbe  no  fooner  fpake,  but  at  her  name, 

he  op'd  his  eies,  and  fhut  them  vp  againe. 
Such  was  the  force  of  Thysbe,  that  being  dead, 

by  loues  reflexe,  he  mou'd  his  louely  head. 
And  when  he  lay  him  downe,  as  laid  before, 

yet  his  two  flaring  eies,  ftill  glimmering  more 
Were  preft  vpon  his  loue,  as  if  his  heart, 

was  giuen  her  by  his  eyes  at  lifes  depart. 
For  they  ftill  gaz'd  vpon  her,  as  if  he 

had  feen  the  heauen  where  he  wifht  to  be. 
Thrice  did  he  moue  his  head,  yet  all  in  vaine, 

for  wanting  ftrength,  it  bended  backe  againe. 
Thrice  did  he  kiffe  the  ground,  thrice  kiffe  the  ayre, 

fuppofmg  that  his  Thysbe  had  beene  there. 
And  when  he  could  not  find  her,  hee  vnrips, 

his  loue  effedls,  and  fmackers  with  his  lips. 
Thysbe  conceiuing  what  he  meant,  admired, 

his  feruent  loue,  and  to  a  fhade  retired. 
Hard  by  this  Tombe,  where  with  all  blubbered  face, 

fhe  made  this  fad  narration  to  the  place. 
Haplefle  and  hopeleffe  is  mine  ending  friend, 

cruell  the  Fates  that  fhould  fuch  torments  fend, 
Vnto  a  faithfull  Louer : .  heauens  haue  done, 

that  which  the  plants  within  this  forreft  fhun. 
They  lofe  their  forme,  their  feature,  and  their  ihape, 

and  what  they  doe,  they  doe  it  for  his  fake. 

V3  For 


294  Loues-labyrinth,  or 

For  this  fame  Tree,  beares  record  of  our  wracke, 

decolored  quite  from  white,  to  difmall  black, 
And  this  fame  ground,  all  in  a  gore  of  bloud  : 

No  chirping  bird  within  this  fatall  wood, 
And  this  for  loue  of  him,  that  now  is  gone, 

leauing  his  forlorne  Thysbe  all  alone. 
Hard  was  mine  hap,  to  fee  his  dolefull  end, 

at  whofe  fad  hearfe  the  Fates  themfelues  attend  : 
Hard  was  mine  hap,  more  harfh  the  courfe  of  time, 

to  crop  my  loue,  my  dazie  in  his  prime. 
Hard  was  his  hap  to  extinguifh  his  defire. 

with  apparition  of  a  bloody  tire : 
Hard  was  his  hap  to  forrage  heere  fo  late, 

to  miffe  his  loue,  and  meete  fo  foone  with  Fate. 
Turne  to  thy  loue,  fee  if  thy  vitall  breath, 

can  call  him  from  the  (lumber  of  pale  death. 
See  if  thou  canft  reuiue  his  gafping  foule, 

for  loe  his  eies  within  his  head  doe  rowle. 
Embrace  his  ioury  necke  with  foulded  armes, 

deftill  life  in  him  by  thy  louing  charmes. 
Buzze  in  his  eares  of  loue,  it  will  not  bee, 

his  dying  fences  haue  no  mind  of  thee. 
Thus  round  empalld  with  greefe,  was  Thysbes  mind, 

no  hope  of  life  in  him  can  Thysbe  find, 
For  he  grew  ftiffe  engor'd  with  bloudy  wound, 

and  by  his  bloud  faft  glued  to  the  ground. 
Thysbe  efpied  her  Tire  which  hee  did  hould, 

faft  in  his  hand,  and  did  the  fame  enfould, 
As  if  it  were  fome  Antidote  to  cure 

his  gaping  wound  and  make  him  ere  endure  : 

Vnhappie 


The  tn^e-Louers  knot.  295 

Vnhappy  Tire  (quoth  fhe)  vnhappy  were, 

that  gaue  occafion  to  my  loue  of  feare. 
Thou  that  haft  preft  my  foule  in  anguifli  more, 

then  all  the  robes  which  ere  I  wore  before. 
Thou  wandring  ftragler,  fliding  from  mine  head, 

gaue  the  firft  onfet  to  this  vgly  deede. 
For  if  thou  hadft  not  been,  my  loue  had  liu'd, 

that  now  of  fence  &  mouing  is  depriu'd. 
What  hap  had  I  at  firft  to  put  thee  on, 

when  darke  Latonas  lights  were  drawing  on, 
Or  what  misfortune  had  I  for  to  leaue  thee, 

fmce  thy  departure  doth  fo  greatly  grieue  mee. 
It  needes  muft  grieue  me  :  for  it  cuts  my  heart, 

as  if  my  foule  from  body  fhould  depart 
He  was  my  foule,  my  body  cannot  breath, 

When  as  my  foule  is  feifed  on  by  death. 
Why  fhould  I  haue  fuch  curious  regard 

to  Nightern  robes,  whe  meaner  would  haue  ferud  ? 
For  well  I  know  it  was  my  loues  defire, 

to  meete  my  felfe  and  not  my  curious  tire. 
Fie  on  this  nice  precifeneffe  weomen  vfe 

in  garifh  dreffings  :  men  fhould  weomen  chufe, 
Not  by  their  bodies  habit,  but  their  minde, 

in  lifts  of  vertue,  and  refpe6l  confinde. 
We  that  doe  loue  as  we  proteft  we  doe, 

muft  not  get  husbands  with  a  painted  fhow, 
Like  puppets  in  a  play,  addref 'd  to  play 

ftrange  a6ls  by  night,  to  purchafe  loue  by  day. 
Beft  honour  that  befeems  a  countrey  maide, 

is  to  be  modeft,  in  her  actions  ftaid. 

¥4  For 


296  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

For  this  (beleeue  me)  modeft  lookes  doe  win 

more  hearty  loue,  then  baits  of  tempting  fin. 
And  yet  we  cannot  leaue  lafciuious  ftraines, 

to  draw  young  men  to  our  immodeft  traines, 
But  if  young  girles  would  be  rul'd  by  me, 

They'l  make  their  preciou'ft  iewel  mode/lie. 
Thysbe  with  this  beheld  the  bloody  blade 

which  lay  all  moiftned  vnder  that  fame  fhade 
Where  her  true  louer  lay,  and  feeing  it, 

with  many  a  balefull  ban  fhe  curfed  it, 
Calling  it  cruell  : l8  Cruell  Jword  (quoth  fhe) 

that  in  this  fort  did  part  my  lone  and  me, 
What  made  thee  Jo  remorcelejfe,fo  hard-hearted, 

to  fee  two  conjlant  louer s  fo  foone  parted  ; 
Parted  by  thee  ;  fie  on  thee  for  the  deede, 

thou  murdered  him,  and  makes  my  foule  to  bleede, 
Bleede  in  defpaire  of  feeing  him  againe, 

wJw  gaue  a  cordiall  to  my  toilfom  paine. 
He  was  the  Saint  that  lining  I  adored, 

this  is  his  Trunke  thefe  watrie  eies  deplored, 
yet  ioyne  with  me  to  honour  his  fad  hcarfe, 

let  plaints  and  teares  thine  Jiardned  temper  pierce, 
Pierce  thine  owne  bofome,  Bofom  if  thou  haue, 

that  brought  my  louefo  timelejfe  to  his  graue. 
And  thou  vnhallowed  l9  Tombe  t/tat  cotters  him, 

who  firjl  enlargd  this  Empire  and  did  win, 
Trophies  of  honour,  which  remaine  to  thee ; 
in  times  fuccejfion  to  pojleritie. 
2°  Open  thy  marble  bofome  and  receiue, 

two  friends  at  once  in  one  renoivmed  graue. 

Thou 


The  trw-louers  knot.  297 

Thou  hides  the  honour  of  a  worthy  King, 

that  lining  did  great  conquefts  hither  bring, 
Send  him  abroade  out  of  thy  Jhrine,  with  f peed, 

and  take  vs  two  to  thee  in  Ninus  _/?<?#/.• 
But  thou  wilt  anfwere  thoujhould  wrong  him  then, 

to  place  our  reliques  amongjl  fuch  prince-like  men  ; 
Which  is  notfo  :  Forrejl  affur'd  that  we 

purchafe  more  fame  then  euer  purchased  he. 
He  conquered  Realmes  by  fates  aufpicious  : 

But  thou  may  trujl  me,  more  is  got  by  vs  : 
For  we  haue  conquered  Loue,  which  he  could  neuer, 

which  in  our  praife  Jhall  be  recorded  euer. 
What  if  his  name  be  fpread  in  euery  place, 

this  founds  not  much  vnto  his  reliques  grace  ; 
Thou  couers  but  his  ajlies  turnd  to  dujl, 

we  turne  to  earth,  andfo  all  Princes  mujl. 
If  that  thy  Monument  were  fo  diuine, 

as  the  huge  gulf e  of  mountaine  Inarime. 
That  doth  pojfeffe  Typhaeus  Gy ant  fierce, 

andjhrouds  him  lining  in  her  hollow  hierce. 
Where  he  with  reft  of  his  afpiring  rout, 

at  end  of  each  feauen  yeers  doe  turne  about. 
Yet  preffed  downe  with  hills  that  lie  aboue  them, 

for  all  their  ftrength  they  hardly  can  remoue  them. 
Then  wert  thou  famous  (for  good  might  betide  thee) 

to  haue  fuch  liuing  wonders  Jleepe  bejlde  thee. 
But  now  thou  art  not  fo :  for  what  is  he, 

that  he  can  challenge  more  of  death  than  we  ? 
He  might  whil'ftliefuruiifd  and  bore  the  fway, 

his  purple  flag  in  euery  coaft  difplay. 

He 


298  Loues  labyrinth,  or 

21  He  might  command,  and  haue  what  he  commanded, 

but  death,  pale  death  now  fwaies,  &  Jhe'l  withftand  it. 
Then  honour d  hearfe,  if  hearfes  honour  haue, 

yeeld  to  my  fute,  and  perfect  what  I  craue. 
Doe  not  denie  me :  to  deny  me  this, 

were  to  depriue  thee  honour,  me  of  blijfe. 
Nay  doe  notfmile,  (for  I  doe  fee  thee  f mile) 

if  tttat  our  bones  thou  in  thy  brejl  compile, 
And  recollecT,  them  after  Thysbes  death, 

the  NimpJies  themfelues  Jhall  fet  a  laurell  wreath 
Upon  thy  back :  e'r  honourdjhalt  thou  be, 

for  this  good  turne  tJwu  did  my  loue  and  me. 
But  if  thoufcorne  my  vows,  and  cat  them  vaine, 

yeelding  no  eare  to  louers  tliat  complaine, 
Reft  well  ajfured  tJte  NimpJts  reuengd  will  be. 

And  for  our  fakes  will  quite  demolifli  thee. 
WJten  trufty  Aiax  &  Achilles  came, 

to  Patrocles  tombe,  with  teares  they  batJid  the  fame 
For  euery  word  they  f  pake  of  Patrocles, 

drew  teares  from  them,  as  ftreames  from  Caucafus. 
Whofe  ragged  top  fends  riuers  out  amaine, 

and  being  fent,  renews  her  fpr ings  againe. 
So  they  deplor'd  his  death,  his  f  acred  Jtearfe, 

ranckfet  with  embleames  and  with  dolefull  verfe. 
The /wanes  of  Caifter  and  eke  of  Poe, 

came  to  enfable  him  in  fongs  of  woe: 
Since  which  fad  time  the  Poets  liaue  reported, 

that  each  daie  twice  tJiefwannes  haue  there  reforted. 
PaJJing  byfiockes  along  the  Greequi/h  plaine, 

feeking  by  fongs  to  make  him  Hue  againe. 

But 


The  True-Loners  knot.  299 

But  when  it  would  not  be,  tJte  Swans  there  fwore, 

that  from  that  time  they  nere  would  warble  more  ; 
But  at  their  23  death  which  they  performe :  for  why 

they  neuer  Jing  but  hower  before  they  die. 
Why  Jhould  a  Grecian  hauefuch  honour  done, 

that  neuer  any  Trophies  ere  had  wonne, 
Butjlaine  by  He£tor  :  for  no  fame  he  had 

of  doing  greatly  good  or  greatly  bad.  . 
And  yst  forfooth  he  muft  characters  haue, 

in  golden  letters  ore  his  worthleffe  graue. 
In  polifltt  marble  muft  his  Jhrine  befet 

infaphires,  24  tophies  and  in  britijh  ieate. 
Thus  muft  he  haue  refpett,  when  we,  god  wot, 

muft  lie  obfcure  as  if  men  knew  vs  not. 
And  yet  our  fame  deferues  more  praife  then  he, 

more  grace,  more  glorie,  and  more  memorie  :    .  ,-,. ,. 
Timejhall  race  out  that  marble  hearfe  of  his, 

time/hall  amend  what  time  hath  done  amijje. 
For  we  fliall  Hue  infpite  of  Fates  decree, 

when  lowe  interred  this  famous  Greeke  fliall  be. 
Loue  cannot  die,  we  loued  and  therefore  death 

fliall  crowne  our  hearfe  with  times  immortal  wreath, 
And  though  we  die  we  loue  and  Hue  in  dying, 

loue  to  pale  death  perpetuall  life  applying. 
Why  Jhould  prince  Ilus  acts  hauefuch  refpeft 

whofe  toomb  with  precious  emeralds  bedeckt  ? 
For  well  I  know  fuck  ac~ls  did  neuer  he, 

In  amorous  pajfions  of  true  loue  as  we, 
25  Yet  Batias  toomb  muft  haue  infcriptions  faire, 

to  Jhew  wliat  man  of  birth  was  buried  tftere..  . 


3OO  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

A  crowne  vpon  his  Jiead,  and  in  his  hand, 

a  royall  fcepter  which  did  Troy  command, 
Thefe  mujl  exalt  his  glory  and  make  roome, 

for  Fames  refounding  trumpe  in  time  to  come  ; 
And  as  that  hearfe  doth  memorize  his  name, 

fo  after  times  by  it  might  doe  the  fame. 
O  thou  iniurious  time,  that  time  obferues, 

yeelding  not  honour  as  our  deeds  deferues. 
Dojl  partialife  and  modeft  bounds  furpaffe, 

bejlowing  honour  on  each  worth-lejfe  AJfe : 
Ilus  ajiranger  was  vnto  thy  foyle 

an  26  vp-ftart  Prince,  who  for  a  little  toyle 
To  win  a  crowne,  was  thus  aduaunc't  by  thee, 

from  Beggers  ragges  to  Princes  dignitie. 
Looke  at  his  low  beginning  whence  he  came, 

what  were  his  copes-mates  his  deiected  name, 
Looke  at  his  pompe,  how  ill  he  could  befeeme, 

tlie  ftile  of  King,  or  fhe  the  name  of  Queene. 
And  then  exile  his  glory  from  thy  coaft, 

thy  greafjl  dif grace  of  whom  thou  gloriejl  moft : 
Receiue  our  ajhes,  aflies  of  true  loue, 

keepe  them  as  hallowed  in  thy  f acred  Groue, 
Receiue  our  ajhes  and  abandon  his, 

that  liuing,  luffing,  dying  we  may  kiffe. 
For  what  great  grace  wilt  be  in  time  to  come, 

vnto  thy  foile,  to  fay,  thou  keep' ft  the  toomb 
Of  two  true-louers,  mirrors  of  affection, 

louingfo  long  till  loue  came  to  perfection. 
Perfett  in  loue,  fo  perfecT,  in  our  loue 

that  nought  (faue  death)  could  our  affections  moue  : 

And 


The  true-Louers  knot.  301 

And  yet  in  death  we  languifh  not  in  louing, 

though  2' 'death  depriue  vs  of  all  vitall  mootdng  : 
For  we  conceiue  more  ioy  intoomVd  togetlier, 

then  if  we  liu'd  deprittd  the  one  of  otJier. 
More  mujl  I  fay  to  feale  thefe  obfequies  ; 

for  death  is  fearefull  and  inuents  delaies, 
And  moft  of  all  in  vs :  a  weaker  brood, 

the  talke  of  death  yeeldes  fear e  to  woman-hood. 
And  yet,  me  thinkes  1  Jlay  from  him  too  long, 

and  in  my  Jlay  I  doe  him  double  wrong. 
Firjl  to  depriue  him  life,  and  then  begin 

with  tar  die  pace  aloof  e  to  follow  him. 
Well  lie  prepare  my  felfe,  the  Fates  decree 

two  L  otters  Jhould  fuftaine  their  crueltie. 
And  yet  not  cruell,  cruelty  is  Jhowne 

when  either  is  debarred  of  his  owne. 
But  we  by  28Cupids  meanes,  that  pur  blind  boy, 

obtaine  by  death  we  could  not  earft  enioy, 
Death  yeelds  more  comfort  then  our  life  time  did, 

JJiewing  our  loue  which  long  before  was  hid. 
No  priuate  cranie  nor  no  fecret  chinke 

need  we  finde  out,  nor  fearefull  need  wejhrinke. 
For  Parents  hot  purfuite  we  rejlfecure, 

Jince  heauen  our  hearts,  as  earth  our  corps  immure. 
Wee  need  not  haue  our  Parents  infufpect, 

they  may  reft  carelejfe  now  whom  we  affetT.  : 
For  well  I  know  we  can  be  hardly  feene, 

twixt  heauen  and  earth,  fo  great  a  fpace  between. 
Thus  loue  an  heauenly  motion  doth  afcend, 

from  earth  to  heauen  to  gratulate  her  friend, 

Thysbis 


302  Loues- labyrinth,  or 


Thysbees  EPIC^EDIVM. 

YEt  Thy  she  ftay  thine  hand  :  thine  obfequies, 
defire  more  celebrating  exequies  ; 
Die  not  inteftate,  in  this  defert  groue, 

but  confecrate  in  token  of  thy  loue 
Thine  hefts  to  Vejla,  yet  let  Vejla  know, 

Thysbe  unwilling  is  enforced  fo. 
Then  let  thy  29Parents,  Parents  though  vnkinde 

By  Natures  lawe,  fome  flwrt  memorials  finde, 
Of  thy  afFe<5lion  :  Swannes  before  they  die, 

leue  penfiue  odes  and  warble  merrily. 
30  Yet  muft  I  needs  declaime  againft  your  feare, 

iealous  of  hurt  where  no  hurt  could  appeare  : 
For  I  am  fure  nere  was  your  thriuing  blifling, 

more  deere  to  me  then  was  my  louers  kifling. 
Oh  then  vnkind  vnkindneffe  did  not  fit, 

our  chafte  defires  that  could  not  bridle  it. 
Loue  was  the  hott'ft  when  it  did  feeme.  conceal'd, 

and  hid  in  afhes,  yet  in  time  reueal'd. 
Then  blame  your  felues,  not  vs  :  you  caus'd  our  end, 

barring  a  louer  from  her  long  fought  friend, 
Which  we  doe  pardon  if  youle  let  vs  haue, 

our  toomb  in  one,  our  ajhes  in  one  graue. 
Which  if  you  fhall  performe  our  hope  extends, 

our  difioin'd  corps  conioin'd  you  make  amends. 
Well  do  I  know  our  funerals  renew, 

currents  of  teres  and  ftreames  of  griefe  in  you. 

And 


The  true-Louers  knot.  303 

And  many  pagent  mixd  with  liquid  teares, 

will  make  attendance  on  our  defolate  beres, 
Many  diftreaming  drops  will  dim  your  eie, 

to  fee  two  louers  end  fo  fuddenly. 
Yet  all  in  vaine,  being  dead,  your  teares  reftraine  : 

for  teeres  cannot  recall  vs  back  againe. 
The  3l  Nimphes  themfelues  with  Poplar  twigs  will 

an  ofier  basket  for  Idalias  fake,  make 

Wherein  collect  you  may  fuch  fragrant  flowers, 

as  fhall  adorne  our  monumentall  bowers  : 
Yet  when  you  fpreade  your  flowers  ech  in  degree, 

Strow  more  on  his  fide  then  you  ftrow  on  me. 
He  was  more  conftant,  he  did  firft  begin, 

I  like  his  fhadow  did  but  follow  him. 
He  came  vnto  the  place,  and  fpite  of  death 

feeing  my  tire  engor'd  did  lofe  his  breath. 
I  like  an  Ape,  to  imitate  my  loue, 

follows  his  worth,  his  prefence  to  approue. 
A  glorious  prefence  where  the  gods  accord 

all  wealth,  all  ioy,  Elizium  can  affoord. 
Fruitfull  Elyjis  where  ech  conftant  mate, 

raignes  in  fruition  of  his  happie  ftate, 
Where  Hero  fmiles  to  grapple  with  her  deere, 

lealous  of  nothing,  for  no  caufe  of  feare 
Can  croffe  loues  action  ?  theres  no  Helefpont, 

But  the  fweet  relifh  of  a  NecJar  fount 
Hight  the  Cajlalian  fount  which  Gods  adore, 

where  hauing  drunke  thei're  neuer  thirfty  more. 
By  this  renowmed  brooke,  fhall  he  and  I. 

prattle  of  loue,  and  parents  cruelty. 

Yet 


304  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

Yet  fo  wele  prattle  that  we  may  receaue, 

loues  harueft  purchaf'd  by  our  irckfom  graue. 
A  happy  Graue,  that  is  a  fpicie  vrne, 

where  louers  vfe  to  fmile,  furceafe  to  mourne, 
For  by  their  dying  they  doe  more  obtaine, 

then  euer  here  enthral'd  they  thought  to  gaine. 
And  can  tliat  death  be  cald  a  death  ?  O  no  ; 

for  by  that  death  from  death  to  life  we  goe. 
Reaping  the  bloffomes  of  experienc'd  good, 

which  while  we  Pilgrims  were,  we  neuer  could. 
Then  doe  not  weepe  deere  friends ;  for  we  enioy, 

the  hauen  of  our  hopes,  where  no  annoy 
Can  make  difturbance,  but  empal'd  by  loue, 

we  get  renoume  for  our  furpafling  loue. 
Let  no  fad  Odes  our  burials  folemnife, 

nor  let  no  teares  com  trickling  from  your  eies. 
The  32  folemne^/frr  which  euer  old  hath  been, 

our  buried  reliques  will  full  well  be  feem  : 
Yet  when  you  burne  our  afhes,  you  fhould  fee, 

His  ajhes  tiaue  the  vpper  hand  of  me  : 
For  Cupid  with  his  mother  Queene  of  loue, 

Pres'd  downe  t/te  female,  fet  ttie  male  aboue. 
Then  for  an  order  (fince  the  Gods  ordaine  it) 

It  were  prefumption  for  you  to  reftraine  it. 
For  reft  affured  if  we  had  mift  this  chance, 

we  had  obaid  ere  this  their  ordinance. 
O  let  our  loues  recorded  be  by  you, 

and  when  you  fing  vnto  our  hearfe  adew, 
Euer  imprint  this  caution  in  your  minde, 

Be  not  vnto  your  childrens  loues  vnkinde. 

Hinge 


The  True-louers  Knot.  305 

Hang  not  the  willow  token  of  difdaine 

vpon  our  Toome :  for  that  each  country  fwaine 
Can  fet  vpon  his  fhrine  :  let  Venus  tree, 

the  louely  mirtle  fhew  our  conftancie. 
If  you  want  any  rites  or  folemne  heftes, 

which  may  befeem  our  graues :  the  birds  protefts 
Each  in  their  order  to  folemnife  them, 

and  gods  themfelues  for  to  eternize  them  : 
Each  mourning  Turtle  hauing  loft  her  make, 

will  mourning  make  refort  for  Venus  fake. 
And  fweet  Leucothoe  will  reprefent 

of  Vmolus  odours  a  delicious  fent. 
The  Nighterne  owle,  that  night  wil  ceafe  from  prey 

howling  by  night,  as  fhe  did  howle  by  day. 
The  little  Batt  (though  fearefull  heretofore) 

will  flocke  amongft  the  reft  and  feare  no  more. 
Thus  euery  Bird,  for  it  is  Gods  defire, 

will  with  their  prefence  decke  our  funerall  fire. 
To  purge  our  guilt  dame  Venus  promis'd  me, 

(hele  goe  to  heauen  with  lowe  and  bended  knee. 
And  well  I  know  loue,  Venus  loues  fo  well, 

he  will  belieue  what  tale  fo  ere  (he  tell. 
Then  for  her  loue  let  Venus  altars  fmoke, 

and  in  each  corner  of  her  Temple  looke  ; 
No  ornament  which  beft  may  her  be-fit, 

Be  there  awanting  but  to  perfect  it. 
You  know  our  Cittie  much  relies  on  her  : 

for  by  her  fuccour  no  diftreffe  can  fturre 
The  profperous  failes  of  our  profperitie, 

but  like  a  fterne  (he's  euer  fixed  nie, 

X  To 


306  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

To  rid  her  from  thofe  rocks  vnto  the  fhore, 

in  Hew  whereof  we  do  her  fhrine  adore. 
Yet  ere  I  die  I  muft  take  leaue  of  you, 

you  f acred  man/ions  which  my  woes  renew  : 
Thou  oliue-tree  that  planted  was  fo  nie 

vnto  my  fathers  houfe  where  I  came  by 
This  laft  vnhappie  night :  thou  tender  vine, 

whofe  fupple  flips  thefe  fingers  oft  did  twine. 
Thou  33  rojie  border  fet  with  rofes  fayre, 

to  which  each  morne  I  vfed  to  repaire, 
And  rob  thee  of  thy  ftore  to  bewtifie 

my  haplefle  tire  with  crimfon  puritie, 
Farewell  at  once  farewell,  long  may  the  dew 

of  filuer  hair'd  Aurora  water  you, 
Long  may  you  flourifh,  this  I  onely  craue,     (graue. 

that  with  your  flowers  each  morne  you  deck  my 
Such  fweetes,  fuch  fragrant  rofes  reprefent, 

that  your  repofe  may  make  it  redolent 
Send  out  your  fpicy  odours  and  attend, 

with  Hyble  fruites  vpon  my  bleeding  friend  ; 
For  manie  time  and  oft  hath  he  and  I, 

chas'd  one  another  full  lafciuioufly  : 
And  if  he  chaunc't  to  be  too  flow  in  running, 

I  would  hold  ^back  and  linger  for  his  comming. 
But  of  all  monuments  I  bid  adew, 

broad Jhadowing  beech-trees  to  the  fight  of  you  : 
You  many  times  haue  yeelded  fweet  repofe 

vnto  our  loue  and  feafoned  haue  our  woes, 
By  your  contented  fhades  bleft  be  you  euer, 

and  like  EliJian-Jhades  fade  may  you  neuer. 

O  many 


The  true- loners  knot.  307 

O  many  times  haue  we  two  fported  there, 

(for  we  alone  were  priuiledged  there) 
And  twitting  nofe-gaies  we  our  flowers  would  hide, 

left  by  fome  Satyre  we  fhould  be  efpide  :       (them, 
Oft  would  we  crop  fweete  flowers  and  hauing  cut 

within  our  wicker  baskets  we  would  put  them  : 
And  when  we  more  had  gathered  then  we  needed, 

we  gatherd  ftill  for  fo  our  loue  exceeded, 
That  euery  flower  we  cropt  we  did  apply 

vnto  the  flower  of  our  virginitie. 

"  For  if fuch  flowers  fuch  fweetnejfe  did  beftowe, 
flowers  are  muchfweeter  that  do  fpring  below  e. 

Fare-well  thou  fpacious  plaine  amongft  the  reft, 
I  haue  no  caufe  but  to  refpect  thee  beft  : 

For  manie  time  and  oft  haue  we  two  plaide 
at  Barli-breake,  but  now  that  fports  decai'd, 

Full  many  fecret  corners  doft  thou  yeelde, 
for  Louers  fports  within  thy  louely  field. 

And  thou  vnhappy  Pine  that  mounts  fo  hie. 

as  if  thou  meant  by  height  to  tutch  the  skie  ; 
Thou  mai'ft  repine  at  fates  that  murdred  me, 

fince  Thysbees  hand  each  morne  did  cherilh  thee, 
Oft  haue  I  planted  grafts  within  ihyfamme, 

which  now  are  growne  fo  high  they  fhadowe  men 
And  with  a  35  Water-pot  which  I  did  bring 

each  morne  by  time ;  I  made  thine  arms  to  fpring  : 

X  2  But 


308  Loue  labyrinth,  or 

But  now,  poore  Pine,  pine  maift  thou  now  and  die, 

for  none  that  I  know  cherifh  thee  but  I  : 
Now  (hall  thy  fhadowing  branches  fall  away, 

their  falling  leues  to  winters  fury  paie. 
And  none  remaines  there  now  to  pittie  thee, 

When  I  am  dead  that  liuing  nourifht  thee ; 
But  be  content ;  fhed  teres  in  loue  of  me, 

and  when  thou  hear'ft  my  death  deie<5t.ed  be  : 
Caft  down  fome  withered  leues  &  fend  them  hither, 

portending  thus  much,  we  muft  die  together  ; 
This  if  thou  doft  I  will  thee  thankfull  call, 

and  wil  with  Laurel  thy  fad  head  empall : 
That  though  thou  die,  yet  that  thou  dieft  with  me. 

in  after-times  ftill  honoured  thou  maift  be. 
And  thou  Jlraite  chinke  to  which  full  many  time 

we  made  repaire :  through  thee  our  loue  did  mine, 
And  fpearft  her  beames  ;  farewell,  for  neuer  more, 

mail  we  refort  to  thee  as  heretofore  ; 
Thou  waft  the  author  of  our  firft  vndoing, 

for  by  thy  meanes  thou  gaueft  vs  means  of  woing, 
Giuing  eyes  liberty,  which  eyes  fo  wounded 

that  by  their  paflions  paflions  new  rebounded, 
Yet  we  do  thank  thee  for  thy  fore-paft  loue, 

for  by  our  deaths  the  gods  themfelues  approue 
Our  conftant  minds,  recorded  which  muft  be 

in  heauens  conuentions  to  our  memorie. 
O  happy  thou  whilft  our  two  fragrant  breaths 

made  thee  fo  rich,  impouerifht  by  our  deaths  : 
For  this  I  thinke,  this  is  my  prophefie, 

Nere 


The  true-Louers  knot.  309 

nere  fliall  fuch  lips  beftowe  their  breath  on  thee, 
When  thou  malt  heare  of  our  difcording  end, 

fome  foftned  teares  vpon  our  funeralls  fpend  : 
Let  thine  hard  marble  be  diffolv'd  to  ftreames 

of  liquid  water,  fmce  thofe  radiant  beames 
Which  our  reflecting  eyes  the  marble  gaue 

might  pierce  him  more,  then  euer  Lyricks  haue 
The  fauage  beafts,  whofe  natures  were  made  tame, 

at  the  rehearfall  of  fweet  A  mphions  name  : 
What  then  mould  Bewtie  ?  whofe  attra6tiue  power 

commands  ftones,  ferpents  &  fweet  budding  flowr : 
What  mould  the  Splendor  of  faire  Beawties  eie 

a6l,  fmce  fuch  acls  were  done  by  harmonic  ? 
Open  your  flinty  bofome,  let  remorfe 

fhed  riuolets  of  teres  vpon  my  coarfe  : 
Or  if  you  will  not  fo,  at  leaft  reftraine 

your  ayrie  chinke,  and  fhut  it  vp  againe  : 
Let  not  fuch  Monuments  liue  when  we  die, 

for  they'le  augment  our  Parents  iealoufie  : 
That  as  we  lov'd,  kifs'd  toy'd  when  we're  liuing, 

fo  we  may  loue,  kiffe,  toy  at  lifes  depriuing. 
Then  fhut  that  crany  vp  left  after  time, 

impute  the  fault  vnto  that  chinke  of  thine. 
This  laft  record  by  Thysbe  thus  recorded 

bred  floods  of  teres  :  for  teres  their  fighs  afforded, 
the  Balme-trees  wept,  their  teres  concrete  in  one 

diftilled  into  th'  fubftance  of  a  ftone  : 
Which  ftone  it  feemes,  did  after  couer  them, 

for  after  times  found  it  laid  ouer  them, 
With  many  faire  infcription  which  did  mew 

X3  Of 


3 1  o  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

of  loue  recorded  neuer  none  more  true, 
Then  this  of  Thysbe  and  her  louing  mate, 

fuppofmg  mutuall  death  a  bleffed  date, 
A  ftate  more  bleft  in  that  they  had  their  wifh, 

Thy/be  had  hers  and  Pyramns  had  his  ; 
They  were  depriv'd  of  louing  in  their  liuing,     (uing 

but  by  their  deaths  the  gods  themfelues  were  gi- 
Tokens  of  loue,  for  they  enioied  their  loue, 

which  no  tranfparent  iealous  eye  could  moue. 
Empall'd  by  diuine  power,  heauens  maiefty, 

to  honour  them,  that  honour'd  conftancie  ; 
And  which  was  more  :  dame  Venns  (as  we  read) 

yoking  her  Doues,  came  to  high  loue  with  fpeed, 
Her  milke-white  doues  with  ayrie  coloured  wings, 

vnto  loues  throne  their  beawteous  lady  brings  ; 
Where  me  with  fmiling  countenance,  for  her  fmile, 

all  foggie  mifts  Olympus  did  exile, 
Thus  fpake  to  loue,  who  feeing  her  did  grace  her, 

and  with  enfolded  arms  'gan  to  embrace  her. 

Heauen-habiting  loue,  that  in  companion  fees, 

loners  inflamed  pajjions :  on  my  knees, 
Doe  I  entreate  as  I  am  Queene  of  loue 

for  Jhipwrackt  louers :  that  thou  wilt  remoue 
Tkeir  earthly  members  to  participate 

the  glorious  funjhine  of  one  heauenly  Jlate, 
For  they  were  conftant,  conftancy  thou  loues 

and  in  thy  f elf  e  their  pajjions  thou  approues  : 
Deigne  to  eternize  them  with  f  acred  Baife, 

Ifsfitfuch  mirrors  Jhould  haue  endleffe  dates. 

That 


the  True-louers  knot.  3 1 1 

TJtat  confecrate  their  vowes  to  gods  diuine, 

then  fo  propitious  to  thefe  praiers  of  mine, 
They  were  enabled  with  a  conjlant  minde, 

Such  f acred  lights,  its  hard  on  earth  to  finde : 
They  were  adorn  d  with  Veftas  puritie  : 

Veftas  purejhape  deferues  eternitie. 
They  liu'd  in  louing,  and  in  louing  did'e, 

nor  did  two  Vrns  their  ioyned  loue  diuide : 
But  both  inter' d  together,  they  haue  wonne 

a  fame  recorded  in  all  times  to  come. 
She  was  as  fair e  as  fairenes  could  be  laid 

on  mortall  colours,  though  a  country  maide, 
Yet  for  her  thoughts  as  pure,  as  was  her  face, 

Jhe  well  deferues  to  haue  an  heauenly  place. 
Doe  not  frown  (deare  Sire)  me  thinks  tJiat  frowne, 

doe  ill  befeeme,  tofuch  as  be  your  owne. 
I  am  your  daughter,  and  I  know  you  loue  me  ; 

and  I  prefume  my  praiers  needs  mujl  moue  you, 
Or  elfe  I  Jhould  defpaire  e're  to  refort 

from  Idas  mount,  vntoyour  heauenly  court. 
Then  yeeld  ajfent  vnto  your  daughters  fuite, 

if  you  denie  it  me,  I  will  be  mute, 
And  neuer  make  recourfe  vnto  your  Jhrine, 

which  cannot  choofe  but  gall  this  heart  of  mine. 
This  earthly  goddejfe  will  full  well  befeeme, 

in  lunoes  abfence  tofupply  as  Queene. 
loue  fmilde  at  this,  for  he  defired  change, 

and  therfore  oft  from  heaue  to  earth  would  range 
For  pleafure  and  delight :  variety 

willing  vnwilling,  wrefted  this  reply. 

X4  You 


3 1 2  Loues- labyrinth,  or 

Youfpeake  of  wonders  (daughter)  quoth  high  37  loue, 

of  mortall  wights  fo  conjlant  in  their  loue. 
Thefe  two  in  conjlant  louing  you  furpajfe, 

For  they'r  more  conjlant  then  ere  Venus  was. 
Death  cannot  part  afunder  their  defires, 

which  like  bright  flames  vnto  our  throne  afpires, 
They're  worthy  (daughter)  of  a  glorious  croivne, 

and  they  JJiall  haue  it :  for  wele  vfe  our  owne. 
But  to  enioy  that  ioy,  that  amorous  die 

of  bewties  fweete  complexion  :  how  Jhould  I 
Dijioyne  thefe  two,  both  would  I  gladly  grace, 

if  I  could  dijlance  them  in  feuerall  place. 
TJtat  faire  form' d  creattire  thou  dojlfo  much  praife, 

I  doe  remember  in  her  former  dates  : 
For  Jhe  entirely  wijhtjhe  might  haue  time 

to  vfe  her  loue,  and  off  red  to  my  Jhrine 
Great  Jlore  of  incenfe  ;  incenfe  it  was  fweete, 

that  I  would  giue  them  time  and  place  to  meete. 
Which  I  did  promife :  but  I  did  not  pay  : 

for  Jeeing  her  more  bewtious  then  the  day, 
Faire  as  Orgon,  purer  then  that  white 

louely  38  Alcmena  wore  vpon  the  night 
When  Jhe  fuppos'd  Amphitrio  her  deare  loue 

pojfejl  the  place  which  was  fupplide  by  loue. 
Being  thus  faire,  (for  Thysbe  was  more  faire) 

I  much  amazed  Jlood,  oppres'd  with  care, 
Seeming  ajleepe,  yetfleeping  I  did  moane. 

my  too  large  promife  which  was  pajl  and  gon. 
Oft  did  I  wijh  I  had  been  Pyramus, 

oft  I  refolu'd  (the  night  fo  tedious) 
'  For  to  tranfliape  my  felfe,  and  to  defcend, 


The  True-Louers  knot.  3 1 3 

and  meete  with  Thysbe  as  her  pointed  friend. 
But  luno  iealous  Queene,  with  open  eie 

Jlept  not  all  night,  but  fraught  with  iealoufie, 
Askt  me  full  oft  what  aild  me :  turne  (quoth  Jhe) 

and  with  my  nectar  lips  He  comfort  thee. 
Are  you  in  hue?  I  blujhd:  that  blujh  difplaies, 

you  are  inclind  (quoth  Jhe)  fome  otherwaies : 
You  haue  fome  trickjie  Girle,  that  doth  keepe 

your  heart  enchain' d,  your  powrefull  eies  from  Jleepe. 
Fie  fie  (quoth  Jhe)  as  you  are  loue,  affect 

her  that  affoords  to  you  the  mojl  refpect  : 
I  am  celejliall 39  wife  and Jijter  both 

vnto  your  felfe :  and  luno  would  be  loth 
To  violate  the  glory  of  her  fpoufe 

with  euery  fwaine,  in  eu'ry  brothell  houfe: 
And  can  you  then  without  regard  of  me, 

or  of  your  felfe,  dif grace  your  deitie 
With  euery  Leda,  euery  milke-maide,  toie, 

while  luno  is  depriued  of  her  ioye  ? 
Now  by  my  God  head  mortall  men  adore, 

Paue  borne  fo  much  that  I  can  beare  no  more. 
Either  content  you  with  your  choice,  your  Queene, 

or  He  tell  that  which  would  ful  ill  befeeme 
The  glory  of  your  Jlate  :  the  Gods  Jhall  heare, 

what  heretofore  to  tell  I  did  forbeare. 
Then  as  you  tender  th  honour  of  your  name, 

Be  charie  henceforth  howyoufoile  the  fame. 
This  faid  dame  luno,  but  I  curbd  her  fpeech 

with  brows  contracted,  tilljhee  did  befeech 
With  trickling  teares,  that  I  would  pardon  giue, 

protejling Jlie  ivould  neuer  after  grieue 


3 1 4  Loues  labyrinth,  or 

My  royall perfon  ;  ivijhing  my  delight, 

if  it  pleas' d  me,  euen  in  my  \\inosjight 
Wherewith  I  feemd  appeafd,  andfayning  ^Jleepe, 

with  eie-lids  Jhtit,  my  heart  a  watch  did  keep  ; 
Euer  conceiuing  fomthing  what  I  know  not, 

which  if  I  knew  it's  jhame  for  Gods  to  JJtow  it, 
Being  lafciuious  pajjions,  which  were  bred 

of  the  dijlempred  humors  of  my  head. 
But  to  be  brief e,  I  did  by  meanes  contriue 

their  longfottght  loues fruition  to  depriue, 
Which  thus  accomplifli  d,  I  am  glad  of  this, 

Venus  intreates  what  loue  himfelfe  did  wi/Ji. 
This  I  will  doe,  (which  done)  may  feeme  a  wonder, 

equall  their  ioies,  yet  dijlance  them  afunder. 
He  from  his  Thysbe,  "Thysbefrom  her  loue, 

loue  for  his  Thysbe,  Thysbe/*?/'  her  loue. 
This  faid  :  bright  Venus  happy  to  receiue 

The  full  accomplifht  fute  which  fhe  did  craue, 
Takes  leaue  of  loue,  and  taking  leaue  he  4l  kift  her, 

amidft  his  kiffes  with  his  prayres  he  blift  her. 
Venus  to  4z  Ida  hies,  Idas  fhe  fends 

Embaffadour  to  Thysbe,  who  attends, 
The  Gods  decree ;  where  hauing  come  at  laft, 

tels  to  Thysbe  all  difcourfe  was  part 
Twixt  loue  &  Venus,  yet  not  all  fhe  told, 

for  Venus  bade  him  loues  intendments  hold, 
Left  his  narration  fhould  more  forrow  breede, 

then  any  comfort  drawne  from  humane  feede : 
For  well  I  know  no  loue  fo  precious 

to  her,  as  was  her  louely  Pyramus. 

When 


The  True-louers  knot.  3 1 5 

When  Idas  had  expreft  what  loue  decreed, 

he  tooke  his  leaue  of  Thysbe,  and  with  fpeede 
Return'd  to  Venus,  Venus  Queene  of  loue, 

whom  he  with  Mars  found  lying  in  a  groue 
Of  leauy  Poplars,  fporting  midft  their  pleafure. 

Vulcan  was  abfent,  they  had  time  and  leifure. 
Where  we  will  leaue  them,  and  fwift  Idas  traine, 

and  to  our  loue-fick  Thy  she  turne  againe. 
Thysbe  addreffd  to  die,  yet  long  in  dying, 

Draws  courage  to  her,  &  that  blade  efpying. 
Which  was  becrimfond  with  the  bloudy  gore, 

of  that  fame  murder  it  had  done  before  ; 
Takes  it  into  her  hand,  (her  hand  God  wot 

as  foft  as  downe,fuch  weapons  handled  not 
Before  this  time,  (and  this  time  was  too  foon 

to  vanquifh  bewty,  and  to  cut  it  downe. 
43  Poore  wench  fhe  knew  not  how  to  vfe  the  blade, 

for  other  armour  Nature  had  her  made. 
But  like  an  vntraind  Souldier  wanting  skill, 

knows  not  to  fight,  yet  vfeth  his  good  will, 
Trauerfe  his  ground  as  other  fouldiers  doe, 

yet  hath  no  method,  for  he  knows  not  how : 
Euen  fo  this  heauenly  creature  handled  it, 

long  time  vncertaine  how  to  mannage  it. 
At  laft  by  reafon,  ^reafon  did  acquaint, 

which  was  the  pummell,  which  the  fatall/d/;/l, 
Grafping  the  blade  which  fhe  before  did  take, 

to  th'  fhade  which  fhadowed  Pyramus  fhee  fpake. 
Thou  Jhadowing  tree,  that  ^Jhadowes  this  dark  tombe, 

JJielter  vs  two,  that  pajfengers  which  come, 

Vnto 


316  Loues  labyrinth,  or 

Vnto  this  forreft,  may  thy  pitty  praife, 

and  memorife  thy  loue  in  after  daies. 
Thoufeeft  we  are  depriu'd  of  friend  or  make, 

which  may  deplore  with  teres  our  forlorne  Jlate, 
Supply  our  want  with  thy  remorfeftdl  fhade, 

fence  (as  it  feemes)  for  pitty  thou  was  made, 
Couer  vs  two  (two  louers)  that  would  be 

gladly  ore-cannoped  with  ttt  leaues  of  thee. 
Thou^  couerjl  him  already :  happy  time, 

that  twijls  about  him  with  thofe  fpraies  of  thine. 
If  Nature  had  accorded  to  our  vowes, 

thefe  armes  had  clept  that  necke,  thofe  fiowry  bowes, 
Doe  now  enfold ;  but  heauens  hauefo  decreed, 

to  haue  two  louers  clad  in  fable  weed. 
Which  I  accord  vnto,  heauens  purge  my  Jinne, 

hee's  gone  before,  and  I  mufl  follow  him. 
Which  f aid,  Jhe  fix  d  the  fword  vnto  her  Breft, 

with  more  then  womans  fpirit  which  exprejl, 
Her  loue  vnto  her  Saint,  who  lay  along, 

congeal'd  in  bloud,  whofe  trunke  fhee  fell  vpon. 
The  treefent  out  her  Branches,  which  did  couer, 

their  corps  with  vernant  blojfomes,  JJiadowed  ouer. 
Aurora  breath  d  vpon  them,  whofe  fweet  breath, 

perfumd  their  bodies,  feazd  vpon  by  death. 


Siluan. 


The  true- Loners  knot.  3 1 7 


Siluan.  Epiccedium. 

THis  done  in  filent  paffage  of  the  Night, 
when  ftars  fhone  fair  &  bright  in  Thetis  fight, 
The  rural  Wood-nimphes  did  their  Odes  difplay, 

fabled  with  woes  :  which  woes  to  take  away, 
They  fung  thefe  verfes,  verfes  ominous, 

Ore  Thisbes  hearfe,  and  louely  Pyramus. 
Long  may  your  fame  *&  and  glory  heer  remain, 

honoured  by  vs,  and  by  each  country  Swaine. 
Long  may  you  Hue  renowned,  for  your  loue 

hath  made  perpetuall  eccoes  in  this  groue. 
A  thrice  b left  groue,  bleft  graue,  for  fuch  bleft  Saints, 

That  in  this  fiowry  pale  heere  pitch  their  tents, 
Wherein  loues  warre  eternized  for  aye, 

loft  that  by  night,  which  was  reftor'd  by  day, 
Smell fweet  for  euer,  fweeteft  of  allfweets : 

you  fpringing  blojfoms  which  the  fpring-time  greets. 
Send  out  your  fragrant  fauor  and  releeue, 

our  troubled  fprings  which  be  addreffd  to  grieue. 
Let  not  yotir  vernant  bofome  fo  retaine, 

all  comfort  from  the  oat-pipe  of  a  Swaine, 
That  no  releafe  offorrow  or  diftrejfe, 

makes  diminution  of  his  wretchedneffe. 
What  Jhould  we  Jlng  ?  no  hymne  of  melody  : 

Jhall  ere  poffejje  our  defert  empery. 
No  tune  of  ioy,  no  pleafant  ftraine  of  mirth, 

JJiall  yeeld  contentment  to  Nereus  birth. 

For 


318  Loues  labyrinth,  or 

Forfarre  more  faire,  more  beautious,  Thysbe  was 

then  any  wood-Nimph,  any  Country  LaJJe. 
49  Campafpey&tf  was  faire,  and  was  belou'd, 

of  potent  Monarchs  :  her  proportion  mou'd, 
Doting  Apelles,  loues  effects  to  Jhew, 

to  that  fame  picture  which  his  Pencile  drew. 
Yet  if  Campafpe  were  enjhrined  heere, 

no  caufe  of  loue  would  in  her  frame  appeare. 
More  diuine  feature  was  in  Thysbes  face, 

a  more  delight f ull  f mile,  more  comely  grace, 
Then  ere  Apelles,  though  in  skill  mojl  rare, 

could  make  his  picture  any  way  compare. 
Bring  mirtle  branches,  let  vs  couer  them, 

Jhrowding  tlieir  corps  with  wreaths  laid  ouer  them  ; 
And  euery  time  and  tide,  lefs  JJted  a  teare, 

ouer  the  fad  memoriall  of  their  Bere, 
Well  doe  thefe  odes  offorrow  vs  befeeme, 

and  better  would  they  pleafe  Arcadias  Queene, 
Then  ifwithfeajls  and  triumphs  we  Jhould  fpmd, 

our  difmall  houres,  about  a  louers  end. 
Wee  are  not  for  Dianas  cheerefull  game, 

though  we  (foretime)  haue  well  approou'd  the  fame. 
No  quiuer,  nor  no  bow,  will  we  receiue, 

till  wee  haue  fpent  our  dirges  on  their  grauet 
Whofe  glorious  loues,  fo  well  conioyn'd  in  one, 

makes  their  two  teares  diftill  into  onejlone. 
For  euery  drop  of  bloud  which  doth  defcend, 

from  Thisbes  wound,  flies  to  her  lotting  friend : 
And  thofefamejlream.es  which  ijfued  out  amaine, 

from  Pyramus  make  their  recourfe  againe. 

And 


the  true  Louers-knot.  319 

And  ioyne  with  Thysbe,  whofe  refpeftiue  wound, 

licks  vp  the  blood  was  Jhed  vpon  the  ground. 
Eternall  Trophies  hung  vpon  your  hearfe, 

made  euerlafting,  by  our  penjiue  verfe  ; 
And  let  this  marble  which  doth  couer  you, 

her  teares  (each  morne)  with  moijlned  drops  rene^v, 
Which  in  remorfe,  compajjionate  may  fpend, 

fome  dewie  drops  to  witneffe  your  fad  end. 
You  pretty  gliding  Jlreames  which  run  apace, 

leaue  off  your  courfe,  and  flow  vnto  this  place, 
That  you  may  moijlen  this  fad  monument, 

this  defert  herfe  with  watry  element. 
And gratifie  our  loue,  that  loue you  deare, 

and  wijh  entirely  your  fweet  prefence  heere. 
Leaue  off  to  wafh  thofe  cliues  and  ruggy  caues, 

and  now  repaire  to  monumentall  graues, 
To  rinfe  all  foule  infection  which  didftaine, 

the  corps  deceafd  by  your  Jlill  Jlreaming  vaine. 
Why  doeyoujtay  ?  why  feeme  you  fo  hard  harted, 

to  Jhed  no  teares,  at  conjlant  loue  departed  ? 
If  that  our  Queene  Jhould  heare,  as  Jhee  Jhall  heare, 

this  your  remorfeleffe  hart,  would  cojt  you  deare. 
Doe  you  not  fee  how  we  in  fable  weede, 

to  weepe  amaine,  haue  heere  repaired  withfpeed? 
And  in  dijlreffe  enclofd,  full  fraught  with  woe, 

may  aske  of  you  what's  caufeyou  doe  not  foe  ? 
See  how  echfprig  $° fends  out  a  pearled  drop, 

and  when  the  pruner  feemes  their  height  to  crop, 
They  feeme  to  thanke  him  for  it,  wijhing  death, 

to  decke  thefe  louers  with  aflowry  wreath. 

See 


320  Loues-labyrinth,  or 

See  how  each  bird  reforts  vnto  their  Jhrine, 

as  if  it  were  vnto  fome  power  diuine : 
And  dedicates  vnto  their  mournfull  tombe 

laies,  which  Jhal ferue  in  after  times  to  come. 
They  warble  out  their  dole f nil  funer alls, 

hauing  forgot  their forepaft  feftiualls. 
Their  fad  5i  afpefls  fuch  f arrow  doth  affoord, 

that  we  our  felues  their  for  rows  may  record 
Time  yeelds  no  tune,  nor  tune  obferu's  no  time, 

time,  tune,  nor  meafure  keep  we  ore  this  Jhrine, 
We  cannot  defiant,  defiant  there  is  none, 

to  fuch  as  know  no  defiant  but  to  mone. 
Like  fpoufe-lojl  Turtles,  do  wefiocke  together, 

and  on  each  morn  by  time,  confort  we  hither 
To  celebrate  their  deaths  with  memorie, 

whofe  conflant  loues  make  them  charaflred  be. 
Nor  will  we  ceafe,  or  make  an  end  of  grief e, 

till  that  their  parents  yeeld  them  fome  relief  e, 
To  confummate  their  wifhes,  andfupply 

their  former  hardnes  by  their  clemency  : 
For  in  no  time  did  euer  children  find, 

parents  more  wilfull,  to  their  loues  vnkind. 
Yet  for  that  Fate  hath  done  her  worjl  of  ill, 

in  that  Jhe  did  the  bloud  of  louers  fpill. 
And  tyrannif'd  in  Jhewing  of  her  force, 

raging  gainjl  loue,  depriued  of  remorfe  : 
Let  Parents  ceafe  to  hate,  and  make  amends, 

by  folemne  hejls  for  their  vntimely  ends, 
It  is  not  fit  that  $2  death  and  enmity 

fhould  wage  their  battaile  euer  mutually. 

For 


The  true  Loners  knot.  321 

For  none  I  know,  but  when  their  foe  is  dead 

they  fcorne  bafe  enuy  in  their  brefts  to  feede. 
But  let  vs  to  our  worke,  and  build  vs  bowres, 

compof'd  of  fragrant  bloffomes,  and  of  flowers, 
Hard  by  this  tombe,  this  herfe,  this  defert  graue, 

where  we  may  giue  what  conftant  loue  doth  craue, 
An  ode  difplaying  paflion  :  and  relate, 

the  fad  euent  of  loues  vnhappy  ftate. 
Each  nimph  addreffe  her  to  her  dolefull  voice, 

that  we  may  charme  the  furies  with  our  noife ; 
And  draw  their  hapleffe  parents  from  their  cell, 

to  heare  the  faid  Narration  we  fhall  tell. 
So  fhall  our  firft  mornes  mone  performed  bee, 

in  honour  of  thefe  louers  conftancy. 


I 


Siluanor:  Threnodia. 

F  any  rurall  God,  or  poore  fwaine, 
confecrate  Leucothoes  rod,  to  this  plaine : 
This  herfe,  deckt  with  fable  verfe, 
Shall  commend 
Him  as  our  friend, 
Ourfprings,  or  groues,  our  flraine. 

Let  your  Temples  fweet,  mixed  be, 

With  perf times,  let  their  feete  embalmed  be. 
Then  will  we,  'mutually 
Still  expreffe, 
And  confeffe, 
You  deferue  eternitie. 

Y  Venus 


322  Loues  Labyrinth^  or 

Venus  with  mil  tlewand,  Cupids  bow, 

Pelops  with  his  hwry  hand  will  bcftow  ; 
All  in  one,  to  thisjlone 
To  declare 
Loue  is  rare, 
Loue  that  hath  no  painted  Jhow. 

loue  admires  Thysbes  face  full  of fauor, 

Mirrha  likes  the  Jlriplings  grace  and  behauiour, 
Venus  lippe,  los  skippe, 
Were  both  rare, 
Yet  both  are, 
In  one  Thysbe,  loue  would  /mue  her. 

From  Olympus  loue  efpies  Thysbes  beauty, 
Which  no  fooner  he  def cries,  then  in  duety. 
Cupids  dart  wounds  his  lieart, 
He  by  force, 
Sues  diuorfe, 
luno  cannot  pleafe  his  fancy. 

Thus  did  Thysbe  Hue  and  dye,  Hue  by  dying 
Death  confirmes  her  deity,  in  applying 
To  her  Jhrine,  power  diuine, 
Which  dothjhew, 
And  renew: 
Life  anew,  renewed  by  dying. 

This  ode  thus  tuned  in  more  dolefull  fort, 
Then  any  Mufe  of  mine  can  make  report : 

Such 


The  true  Loners  knot.  323 

Such  errours  made  refound  both  farre  and  neere, 

that  thefe  fad  Jlraines  came  to  their  parents  eare. 
They  much  perplex'd  to  heare  fuch  wofull  newes, 

which  floods  of  teares  in  their  moift  eies  renues  ; 
With  fpeed  they  could,  (which  fpeed  but  eafie  was,) 

they  made  recourfe  vnto  that  forlorne  place. 
Teares  trickled  downe,  as  drops  from  ALtas  hil.  (fill 

which  with  their  flreams  ech  hollow  53  caue  did 
For  woes  exceeded  more  in  that  their  Tombe, 

had  bard  them  hope  of  future  ioys  to  come. 
For  they  were  old,  old  folkes  defire  to  fee, 

a  good  fucceffe  vnto  their  progeny. 
But  now  no  hope,  mifhap  had  croffd  their  hope, 

e're  to  attaine  at  their  defired  fcope. 
Oh  what  54 fait  feas  for  feas  they  feem'd  to  be, 

no  drops  but  floods,  which  run  inceffantly 
From  their  dim  eies,  for  teares  had  made  them  dim, 

which,  nere  the  leffe,  they  took  much  pleafure  in. 
Oft  would  the  Mother  clip  her  Tkysbe  round, 

which  lay  all  fenceleffe  on  the  bloudy  ground. 
And  with  a  kiffe  (as  old  wiues  vfe  to  doe,) 

her  entire  loue,  her  withered  lips  did  mow. 
Turne  to  thy  Mother  (quoth  he)  or  receiue, 

thy  dolefull  Mother  in  thy  haplefle  graue  ; 
Acknowledge  her  that  firft  aye  me  too  foone, 

brought  thee  to  light,  which  is  eclypf'd  &  done ; 
I  nourifhed  thee,  and  with  a  kind  embrace, 

made  me  an  Idoll  of  that  beauteous  face  ; 
For  I  conceiu'd,  deceiu'd  I  could  not  be, 

No  birth  more  perfect,  then  the  birth  of  thee. 

Y  2  Thus 


324  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

Thus  did  doting  55  trot  deplore  her  fall,  (all 

with  dropping  nofe,  faint  breth,  more  then  them 
That  did  attend  her  paflion  :  for  the  reft 

did  more  repreffe  thofe  paflions  fhe  expreft, 
Nor  is  it  proper,  well  I  know,  that  man 

foouldjhed  his  teares  with  eafe  as  women  can  ; 
For  they  more  prompt  to  comfort,  yeeld  releefe, 

to  fuch  as  are  oppreft  with  heapes  of  greefe, 
And  can  conceale  their  forrow,  as  is  fit, 

knowing  the  meanes  and  way  to  bridle  it. 
They  thus  remaining  ore  their  childrens  grane, 

the  hatefull  ground,  which  did  their  corps  receiue, 
They  did  confult  how  they  might  expiate, 

that  wrong  of  theirs,  which  they  had  done  fo  late. 
Which  whilft  they  did  aduife,  they  ftraight  did  fee, 

their  childrens  vowes,  grauen  in  an  Oliue  tree. 
Which  were  to  this  effe6t.    "  Surceafe  to  mourne, 

"  and  place  our  feuerall  afhes  in  one  Vrne. 
For  whilft  we  liu'd,  we  lou'd,  then  fmce  we  dye, 

let  one  poore  vrne  preferue  our  memory. 
And  let  this  day  recorded  bee  by  you, 

and  feftiue  kept :  eternife  louers  true. 
Giue  vpper  hand  to  him,  for  he  was  firft  : 

refpecl:  with  care,  our  bones  be  not  difperft 
Amongft  vnhallowed  reliques  which  will  ftaine 

the  glorious  Trophies  which  our  loue  did  gaine, 
Bee  not  vnkind  vnto  your  childrens  loue, 

but  what  they  like,  let  your  confent  approue, 
For  if  your  minds  difpofed  fo  had  beene, 

this  fpacious  glaffe  of  woe  you  nere  had  feene. 

But 


The  true  Loners  knot.  325 

But  we  forgiue,  forget,  fo  you  performe, 

what  we  haue  wifh'd  :  we  feaft,  ceafe  you  to  mourn. 
Thefe  heftes,  thefe  rites  thus  read  :  without  delay, 

they  fought  their  forepart  guilt  to  take  awaie, 
And  rinfe  their  former  ill  by  prefent  good, 

yeelding  to  loue  which  they  before  with-flood  : 
For  admiration  rapt  them,  and  they  faw, 

no  curbe  could  hold  the  reins  of  Venus  lawe : 
For  fhe  enioyn'd  them  loue,  which  they  obey'd, 

which  by  no  Parents  wifhes  could  be  ftai'd. 
Each  in  their  order  did  their  obfequies, 

with  folemne  rites  as  their  lad  exequies, 
Making  a  fire  of  Juniper  compos'd, 

in  which  their  louely  corps  feem'd  well  difpos'd, 
Which  were  confum'd  to  afhes  and  conferu'd, 

in  one  fmall  Hpot,  as  wel  their  fame  deferu'd. 
This  vrne,poore  vrne,  which  kept  their  afhes  fure, 

was  made  of  Brajfe,  that  it  might  ere  endure, 
And  as  a  relique,  reliques  then  were  vfed, 

in  58  Nimrods  Temple  in  a  cheft  enclofed. 
There  was  it  put,  to  which  as  fome  report, 

all  conjlant  louers  vf'd  to  make  refort. 
No  marriage  rite  was  to  be  confummate, 

Before  they  did  this  relique  inuocate, 
That  it  would  be  propitious  to  their  loue, 

in  figne  whereof  each  gaue  a  Turtle-Done, 
To  explicate  their  truth,  their  conjlancie, 

which  they  obferu'd  for  euer  folemnly. 
Thus  were  thefe  two  with  honour  well  rewarded, 

their  afhes,  as  times  Monuments  regarded, 

Y  3  Kept 


326  Lows  Labyrinth,  or 

Kept  and  referu'd  for  Fame,  Fame  grac'd  the  earth, 

in  differing  Nature  bring  fo  faire  a  birth 
Into  the  world,  which  world  vnworthy  was, 

to  haue  two  mirrors  and  to  let  them  paffe. 
But  time,  vnthankfull  time,  too  foone  forgot 

the  Gem  fhe  had,  as  if  fhe  had  it  not. 
Soild  in  the  luftre,  luftre  it  had  none, 

depriu'd  of  Fame,  when  her  renowne  was  gone, 
For  Parents  breathleffe  were,  and  with  their  birth, 

by  times  fucceflion  were  interr'd  in  earth. 
\T\felfe-fame  earth  for  they  defir'd  to  haue,     (graue 

their  childrens  59  hearfe  their  vrne,  their  comely 
Which  hauing  got,  men  neuer  did  adore, 

their  facred  hearfe  as  they  had  done  before. 
For  leffe  were  they  efteem'd,  fo  from  that  time, 

nere  any  louer  came  vnto  their  Jhrine. 
Yet  to  this  day,  their  pictures  doe  remaine, 

in  Marble  wrought,  defcribing  euery  vaine. 
Ech  ruby  blufh,  mix'd  with  a  crimfon  die, 

with  Thysbes  fmile  decolour'd  wantonly. 
With  face  defac'd  by  times  iniurious  frowne, 

hath  fhown  more  beauty  the  my  Mufe  hath  fhown. 


The 


The  trw  Loners-knot.  327 

The  anfwere  0/~Hipolitus  unto 
Phaedra. 

The  Argument. 

Hippolitus  fon  to  Thefeus,  by  the  Amazo  Hippolite, 
folicited  by  his  Jlep  mother  Phedra  to  fenfuality, 
feekes  by  all  meanes  to  reprejfe  her  inordinate  luft  by 
exemplifying  the  worth,  refolution,  and  magnanimity 
of  his  father  &  her  hufband  Thefeus  :  as  alfo  aggra- 
uating  the  foulenes  of  the  fact  Jhe  intended  producing 
reafons  to  dijjwade  her  from  profecuting  her  purpofe 
any  further :  as  more  particularly  the  fcandall  of  the 
world,  which  of  necejjity  would  enfue  vpon  committing 
of  a  fact  fo  deteftable  to  the  fupreame  deitie,  fo  exorbi 
tant  to  the  law  of  nature.  Next  he  propoudeth  the  ine- 
uitable  reuenge  of  the  Gods  aboue,  who  could  not  fuf- 
fer  fuck  impieties  to  pajfe  with  impunity :  but  would 
chajlife  incejluous  actions  with  the  etquifiteft  punijh- 
ments  they  referue  for  any  delinquent :  concluding 
his  Epiftle  more  emphatically:  ajfuring  her  if  Jhe  would 
not  dejift  from  her  lafciuious  intendments,  Thefeus 
Jltould  be  acquainted  with  her  entirejl  thoughts,  who 
in  no  wife  could  brooke  her  infatiable  dejires,  but  ere 
long  would  expiate  tJte  guilt  of  her  Jin  with  tJtefacri- 
fice  of  her  blood. 


F4  The 


328 


The  Epiftle  of  Hyppolitus 
vnto  Phedra. 

IF  modeft  lines  fend  out  a  modeft  fmile, 
and  thofe  immodeft  vows  you  dedicate 
Vnto  my  youth  ;  youths  frailty  to  beguile, 

my  vertuous  bloffoms  to  extenuate, 
What  mould  I  write  ?  or  in  what  tempred  ftile 

mould  I  defcribe  the  ruine  of  my  ftate  ? 
Since  vertue  is  my  centre,  truth  thefcvpe, 
At  which  I  aime  the  leuell  of  my  hope  ? 

I  will  not  call  you  wanton,  but  you  feeme 

too  too  refpecHes  of  your  glorious  fame, 
That  once  in  Greet  for  bewty  deem'd  a  Queene, 

mould  now  grow  careleffe  to  eclipfe  the  fame. 
O  better  fruits  mould  in  that  groue  be  feene, 

then  to  neglecl:  the  glory  of  your  name. 
Minos  efteemed  was  more  pure,  more  iuft, 

then  to  expofe  his  houfe  to  mamefull  Iuft. 

Turne  to  yourfpoufe  my  father,  and  obferue 
his  worth,  his  merits,  and  difclaime  your  vow, 


See 


The  true-louers  knot.  329 

See  what  refpe6l  your  Thefius  doth  deferue, 
who  confecrates  his  loue  &  life  to  you  : 

Then  I  am  fure  you  will  be  loth  to  fwerue 
from  your  allegeance,  which  is  Thefeus  dew. 

He  thinkes  him  bleft  in  you,  O  doe  not  then 
impaire  the  bleffing  of  fuch  bleffed  men. 

But  if  you  will  diftaine  my  fathers  bed, 

make  it  a  brothel  proftitute  to  fmne, 
Reft  well  affur'd  He  neuer  heare  it  faid, 

that  I  his  fonne  that  leudneffe  did  begin, 
To  prime  the  prime  rofe,  or  to  fee  it  fade 

within  his  bed  where  I  haue  nourifh'd  been, 
For  ill  it  would  befeeme  both  him  and  me, 

tJiat  his  gray  headjhould  weare  my  liuerie. 

Let  not  the  glory  of  your  ancient  houfe 

attainted  be,  or  dazed  by  your  ftaine  : 
For  after  ages  would  fpeake  worfe  of  vs, 

and  this  our  fhame  would  euermore  remaine  : 
Which  could  not  chufe  but  grow  pernicious 

to  the  renowme  your  Thefetis  did  attaine. 
That  he  who  many  monfters  vanquifhed, 

fhould  let  a  monfter  Hue  within  his  bed. 

Employ  thofe  thoughts  fo  wantonly  inclin'd 
toth'  comfort  of  your  fponfe,  let  him  receaue 

Th'  elixir  of  your  loue  anew  refin'd 
your  loues  the  harueft  which  your  Lord  doth  craue : 

Then  keepe  not  from  him  that  which  is  afligned, 

By 


33O  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

by  powers  fupernall  for  his  worth  to  haue  : 
Adore  no  fhrine  but  his,  let  mine  alone, 
I  am  his  image,  he  and  I  are  one. 

How  ill  would  it  befeeme  diftaftfull  youth, 

to  wrong  the  winter  of  his  reuerend  age  : 
Whom  (if  not  graceleffe;  would  it  not  moue  to  'ruth  ? 

to  foile  his  bed,  Whofe  nie-fpent  Pilgrimage 
Craues  pitty  \yy  prefcription,  grac'd  by  truth, 

and  vertues  colours,  making  fame  his  page, 
To  follow  euery  action  with  her  breath, 

to  giue  him  life  when  feaz'd  vppon  by  death. 

Looke  at  the  trophies  Crejfa  doth  poffefie, 

times  monumentall  characters  of  worth, 
And  you  fhall  fee  his  fpoiles  deferue  no  lefle, 

then  adoration  deifid  on  earth. 
Since  euery  act  proclaimes  his  mightineffe, 

as  if  defcended  from  loues  diuine  breath. 
His  wars,  his  conqueft,  each  expreffe  his  merit, 

indude  with  more  then  Adamantine  fpirit. 

Leaue  of  inuiting  your  Hyppolitus 

to  feftiue  banquets,  of  inceftuous  meeting, 
Well  loues  he  Phadra,  better  Thefeus, 

then  to  wrong  age  with  fuch  licentious  greeting, 
To  make  his  owne  to  be  moft  trecherous. 

the  fowreft  taft  from  him  that  feemd  his  fweeting, 
In  working  fhame  'gainft  him  who  firft  fuftained 

far  more  for  me  then  in  me  is  contained. 

Much 


The  true-louers  knot.  331 

Much  do  I  wonder  how  you  fhould  conceiue, 

fuch  a  fufpicious  thought  of  my  negle6t, 
Vnto  my  fathers  age  ?  or  how  you  haue, 

grounded  the  reafons  of  your  fowle  fufpecT:  ? 
That  I  his  childe,  my  childehood  fhould  depraue, 

affecting  that  which  loue  cannot  effe6l,  (wot,) 

Which   loathed  pleafures,   loath'd   they  are   (God 

to  vfe  thofe  fports  which  Nature  fancieth  not. 

Thefe  ^pa/limes  which  I  follow  yeelde  content 

without  repentance  :  heere's  no  Parents  fhame, 
No  worlds  Rumor :  dangers  imminent, 

haue  no  repofe  mongft  thefe :  admired  fame 
Followes  the  Court,  and  places  eminent, 

each  feeking  how  they  might  dilate  their  name. 
But  I  refpe6lleffe  of  Fames  admiration, 

reape  the  content  of  harmeleffe  recreation. 

Heere  fteepy  clifts,  and  heauen-afpiring  Hilles, 

Yeeld  a  fweet  aier  to  relifh  my  delight,         (deftills 
There  pleafant  fprings,  from  whence  fweet  flreames 

to  quench  my  thirft  :  and  when  the  glomie  night, 
Shuts  vp  the  raies  of  Pkcebus,  reft  we  ftill 

till  rofie  check'd  Aurora  (hew  her  light 
Then  we  addrejfe  vs  to  our  fports  againe, 

For  where  we  take  delight  there  is  no  paine. 

Then  pardon  me,  (if  pardon  I  may  aske) 

that  knowes  no  other  pleafure  then  is  heere, 
That  neuer  tooke  vpon  me  any  taske, 

but 


332  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

but  the  purfuing  of  the  harmlefle  Deere. 
I  need  not  fliame,  my  blufh  requires  no  mafke, 

I  haue  no  obie<5ls  of  affection  neere, 
But  the  true  fplendor  of  a  Natiue  face, 

not  mix'd  with  colours  to  augment  her  grace. 

If  Ariadne  defolate,  forlorne, 

fhould  heare  of  your  intendments  :  what  would  fhe 
Reply,  but  ieafl,  that  he  who  had  forfworne 

thofe  folemne  vowes  which  fhould  obferued  be, 
Hath  well  deferu'd  to  weare  his  wantons  home, 

that  dedicates  her  felfe  to  luxurie. 
O  fie  for  fhame,  let  fhame  repreffe  that  fmne, 

which  not  reprefs'd  will  fhame  both  you  and  him. 

How  glad  would  Ariadur  heare  of  this, 

who  refls  deie&ed,  rob'd  of  that  fame  Gem, 
Which  you  refpe<5t  not :  fhe  conceiu'd  a  bliffe 

in  his  fweet  fmile,  whofe  fweetneffe  did  regaine 
Her  much  prifd  loue,  hzrfpels  explan'd  no  leffe  ; 

In  the  fubduing  him,  who  more  had  flaine, 
Then  any  monfler,  that  in  Crete  was  bred  ; 

yet  by  her  Art  was  foone  difcomfited. 

But  fhe  !  vnhappy  fhe,  as  Bachus  would, 

depriu'd  of  him,  for  whom  fuch  paneis  fhe  tooke. 

In  Chios  left,  neere  after  to  behold 

her  darling  T/tefetis,  who  (you  know)  forfooke 

Her  much  diflrefs'd  diftreffes  did  enfold 

the  very  manjion  pitch 'd  on  62  high  to  looke, 

At 


The  true-Louers  knot.  333 

At  that  vnhappy  place  where  Thefius  left  her, 
whofe  abfent  fteps  all  comfort  had  bereft  her. 

Then  you  that  are  preferr'd  before  her  loue, 

fet  not  at  fale  the  treafure  you  poffeffe, 
Let  Ariadnes  exile  fomething  moue 

that  fickle  minde  of  yours,  whofe  wantonneffe, 
Seemes  more  tranfparant  in  that  you  approue 

more  of  my  loue,  then  of  his  excellence. 
Whofe  beautious  outfide's  faire,  but  you  may  finde, 

a  farre  more  beauteous  injide  of  his  minde. 

Conjlant  he  is,  witnefle  Peritheus, 

whofe  two  combined  hearts  fo  well  vnited, 
Haue  eterniz'd  the  loue  of  Thefeus : 

Mirrour  of  men,  that  men  fhould  be  exiled, 
To  paffe  fuch  fhelfes  of  perrils  dangerous, 

With  fight  of  poore  Proferpina  delighted : 
Whom  to  exempt  with  Pluto,  they  remaine, 

the  one  imprifon'd  clofe,  the  other  flaine. 

Yet  could  not  Pluto  barr  his  eies  from  teares, 

which  he  pourd  out  each  morne  vpon  the  hearfe, 
Of  his  deare  friend,  loue  after  death  appeares, 

which  like  an  Ecco  earths  abyffe  did  pierce, 
Opprefs'd  with  woe,  furmifes  of  vaine  feares, 

Maugre  the  furie,  of  thofe  Furies  fierce, 
And  Fiends  below,  which  could  not  him  furprife 

with  daftard  feare  :  ^Braue  Spirits  feare  defpife. 

O 


334  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

O  doe  not  then  expofe  his  vertuous  age, 

to  fuch  difhonour  adde  no  difcontent 
Vnto  his  outworne  ftrength,  left  you  enrage 

his  patient  fpirit  aboue  his  element 
Doe  not  corrupt  your  honour  nor  engage, 

the  glory  of  your  birth  fo  eminent 
Scandalls  are  foone  engendred  fooner  bred, 

then  after-times  can  make  extinguifhed. 

Doe  not  degrade  your  Thefeus  from  his  throne, 

Which  he  enioies,  conceiuing  more  delight, 
In  that  he  hath  this  little  of  his  owne, 

reaping  contented  Jiarbour  on  the  night, 
Then  th'  husband  man  to  reape  what  he  hath  fowne, 

or  the  poore  Turtle,  in  her  Turtles  fight. 
Beleeue  me  Queene,  more  doth  your  prefence  plcafe 

Your  Thefeus  heart,  then  any  one  of  thefe. 

If  you  would  haue  Hippolitus  to  loue, 

Loue  aged  Thefeus  for  Hippolitus  fake ; 
For  by  thofe  heauenly  powers  that  raigne  aboue, 

more  comfort  fhall  Hyppolitus  partake 
By  that  affe<5lion,  then  Idalias  groue, 

ere  reap'd  in  Venus  when  he  did  awake, 
And  rous'd  from  filent  (lumber  to  returne, 

vnto  her  Birds  which  for  their  Queen  did  mourn. 

Alas,  faire  queene,  why  mould  you  thus  affault, 
the  vnprouided  fortrejfe  of  mine  hart ; 


Or 


The  true-Louers  knot.  335 

Or  why  fhould  you  your  colours  thus  exalt, 

difplaying  ruine  to  my  chiefeft  part, 
And  vnder  ground  as  in  fome  fecret  vault 

laying  your  (hot,  intending  to  fubuert, 
The  Bulwarks  which  fupports  my  flender  being, 

to  raze  my  Fort  and  put  my  friends  to  fleeing. 

The  fort  which  I  poffeffe  is  my  pure  heart, 

my  friends  the  vertues  which  doe  keepe  my  fort, 
The  firft  in  all  my  dolours  beares  a  part, 

\hefecond  in  diflreffe  do  make  refort, 
To  arme  my  foule  againft  inuafions  dart 

vpon  their  foe,  their  furie  to  retort. 
Were 't  not  a  pittie  then  to  fee  that  fall. 

which  doth  fufbaine  my  felfe  my  meanes  and  all  ? 

But  fure  you  fee  in  me  fame  fhew  of  pleafure, 

and  gladly  would  haue  me  expreffe  my  thought, 
Objecting  to  my  fenfes  time  and  leafure, 

feldome  are  fuch  delights  fo  lightly  bought, 
High  is  the  price  of  fuch  a  precious  treafure, 

and  well  deferues  it  to  be  throughly  fought : 
But  I  reply  that  pleafure  lafts  not  long 

that  tis  vfurp't  by  force,  and  tane  by  wrong. 

I  loue  no  bitter  fweets  immixd  with  gall, 

whofe  fharp  repentance  drowns  the  pleafure  part, 

A  pure  vnfpotted  foule,  whofe  MBrafen  wall 
can  hold  out  battrie  and  wil  euer  laft 

That  feare  no  ruine,  no  declining  fall, 

Soil'd 


336  Loues  Labyrinth,  or 

foilde  with  no  blemifh  of  her  mindes  diflafte, 
But  fraught  with  wealth,  thrice  happy  in  her  wealth 
feeding  on  free  delights,  not  got  by  ftelth. 

What  is  that  pleafure,  where  attendeth  feare, 

As  faith-infringers  doe  :  who  violate 
The  faith  they  owe  :  whereby  it  doth  appeare, 

they  reft  refpectleffe  of  their  future  ft  ate, 
Preferring  luft  before  their  Spoufals  deare, 

their  fhame  with  fhameleffe  A6ls  to  aggrauate  : 
O  none  God  wot  :  no  pleafure  can  be  there, 

where  there  is  nought  but  actions  of  defpaire. 

O  let  thofe  hefts  inuiolable  ftand, 

which  heauens  aboue  confirme,  and  let  them  be 
As  Charattres,  writ  by  dame  Natures  hand 

to  eleuate  our  fenfes  purity  : 
Proceeding  from  the  immortall  powers  command, 

to  confummate  our  Hues  integrity. 
That  loue's  well  fquared  by  an  equall  line. 

whofe  ground-worke  is  grounded  on  the  lawes  di- 

(uine 

But  if  thefe  motiues  cannot  caution  you, 

not  to  adulterife  your  Nuptiall  bed, 
Be  you  aflur'd  to  Thefeus  I  will  fhew 

thofe  indigefted  humors  which  are  bred, 
By  your  vnfetled  thoughts  which  doe  renew 

an  heape  of  paflions  in  your  troubled  head. 
All  which  concording  make  that  difcord  true. 

No  faith  more  faithleffe  then  the  Faith  of  you. 

Your 


Hypolitus  to  Phcedra.  337 

Your  brittle  fexe,  fo  brittle  is  your  mould, 

you  cannot  long  be  free  from  alteration  : 
Grounds  \^QV  foundation  on  no  certaine  hold, 

but  toft  with  fundrie  gufts  of  times  mutation, 
Expos'd  to  fhame  and  to  confufion  fold, 

infringing  loue  to  purchafe  recreation, 
Which  we  by  nature  do  accompt  a  fhame, 

to  fet  them  light  that  haue  efteemed  them. 

Vertues  furprifer,  chaftities  depriuer, 

fower  of  difcord,  refuge  to  the  worft. 
Forge  of  ambition  enmities  contriuer : 

an  hatefull  monfter,  vipers  birth  accurft, 
Friend/hips  diffoluer,jimple  foules  deceiur, 

which  from  perdition  had  her  birth-right  firfi. 
The  foile  andfale  of  honour  fooneft  Jliowen, 

where  men  ajfett  all pleafure  faue  their  oivne. 

And  what  be  thofe  but  vaine,  vnfauourie  ioyes, 

whofe  fruits  vnfeas'ned  yeeld  but  frnall  delight, 
When  comforts  are  conuerted  to  annoies, 

the  beauty  of  our  day  obfcur'd  by  night, 
And  that  we  iudg'd  for  ferious  feeme  as  toies, 

which  haue  eclips'd  the  glory  of  their  light : 
And  then  reuoluing  what  we  did  admire 

let  fall  our  hopes,  to  greater  things  afpire. 

O  be  afham'd  to  blemifh  that  faire  Roote, 
which  had  deriuall  from  the  powers  aboue, 
Z 

Staine 


338  Hypolitus  to  Phesdra. 

Staine  not  your  bed  with  your  polluted  foot, 
loue  him  alone  whom  you  are  bound  to  loue, 

Giue  no  occafion  to  your  Spoufe  to  doubt 
of  your  licentious  paflion,  but  remoue, 

Both  guilt  and  guilts,  fufpicion,  whofe  bright  eyes, 
lealoufe  of  nought  your  fecret'ft  councels  fpies. 

Will  you  for  any  pleafure  lofe  refpecl:, 

of  all  your  kindred  that  attend  your  fame, 
Which  once  furpriz'd  by  infamies  fufpecl, 

will  call  your  acts  augmenters  of  their  fhame  ? 
O  doe  not  fo  :  let  not  your  luft  effecT:, 

the  ruine  of  that  houfe  from  whence  you  came : 
But  as  your  glorie  doth  furpaffe  the  reft, 

fo  in  your  heart  let  virtue  build  her  neft. 

Vaine  is  the  flower,  foone  fading,  foone  forgot, 

which  you  do  pamper  to  your  ouerthrow, 
Time  will  be,  when  thofe  beautious  corps  fhall  rot, 

their  poore  remainder  to  the  earth  beftowe; 
Then  you  (hall  be  as  if  you  flourifh'd  not 

plac'd  in  earths  centre,  Stigian  lake  belowe, 
Where  Minos  iudgement  giues  of  euery  fin, 

that  thofe  are  guiltie  may  remaine  with  him. 

He  was  your  father,  yet  his  equitie, 
will  not  permit  his  Phcedra  to  tranfgreffe  : 

His  lawes  haue  no  exception,  puritie 
onely  exempted  is,  whofe  eminence 

Was 


Hypolitus  to  Phadra.  339 

Was  firft  ordain'd  to  raigne  eternally, 

in  the  Elijlan  fields  loues  rejldence  ; 
Then  chufe  which  two  youpleafe,  whether  you'le  dwel, 

in  heauen  with  loue,  or  with  your  Sire  in  hell. 

Ere<5l  your  thoughts  depreffed  downe  belowe, 

and  let  them  foare  vnto  an  higher  pitch 
Then  terrene  pleafures,  let  that  beauteous  fhow 

of  outward  colours  your  affection  teach          (flowe 
To  tafte  the  Spring  of  fweetes,  from  whence  doth 

fuch  mines  of  treafure,  as  will  more  enrich 
The  A  rs1  nail  of  your  minde  then  vaine  delight, 

which  lopped  is  before  it  come  to  height. 

Recall  to  minde  Ixions  punifhment, 

fee  in  a  mirror  what  his  folly  got, 
Who  whil'ft  he  foar'd  aboue  his  element, 

kindly  receiv'd  of  loue,  himfelfe  forgot : 
And  as  a  ftreame  which  runs  too  violent, 

palling  his  bounds  and  limits,  knoweth  not 
How  foone  that  flowe  mail  haue  a  fudden  fall, 

whofe  boundleffe  current  kept  no  mene  at  all. 

So  did  Ixion  who  in  felfe-conceit 

of  his  proportion  did  afpire  too  high, 
Affecting  luno  which  did  ruinate, 

the  manfion  of  his  Priftine  dignitie, 
Bailing  that  fun  which  fhone  fo  bright  of  late, 

for  with  a  clowde  deceived  engendred  he 

Z  2  The 


34O  Hypolitus  to  Ph&dra. 

The  Centaurs  varied  formes,  which  being  bred, 
to  Pelion  came,  where  they  inhabited. 

O  then  confine  affection  with  the  bound, 

of  vertues  honour,  giuing  her  the  place 
In  euery  afUon,  making  reafons  ground 

the  ftrong  foundation,  Time  cannot  deface, 
With  beautious  faire  contexture  clofed  round, 

a  correfpondence  twixt  the  minde  and  face  : 
The  one  renown'd  by  th'  others  puritie, 

as  if  both  made  to  make  one  vnity. 

Shall  Hymens  temple  be  defac'd  by  you, 

Her  facred  hefts  by  your  inconftancy  : 
O  be  affur'd  the  gods  will  punifh  you, 

imbranding  ftiame  in  your  pofteritie, 
To  breake  your  faith  and  wrong  a  friend  fo  true, 

vnder  pretence  of  mere  fimplicitie  : 
Leue  vertus  fliadowe,  and  your  felfe  betake, 

to  loue  the  fhadow  for  fazfubftance  fake. 

What  vertues  did  your  maiden  yeeres  attend  ? 

white  was  your  roabe  but  whiter  was  your  mind, 
When  all  your  actions  did  to  vertue  tend  ; 

Each  fence  her  proper  function  had  aflign'd, 
Vertues  foundation  had  perfections  end,  (finde, 

youth  mix'd  with  grace :  rare  was't  your  like  to 
But  now  your  luftre  foil'd  by  lhameleffe  finning, 

argues  your  end  farre  worfe  then  your  begin  ing. 

Crete 


Hypdlitus  to  Pluedra.  341 

Crete  made  renown'd  by  fathers  memory, 

fhal't  be  extinguifh'd  by  the  daughter's  fhame  ? 
Times  auntient  browe  records  his  equitie. 

for  time-impartialifters  merit  fame, 
Proude  was  the  earth  to  haue  fuch  men  as  he  : 

earth  feem'd  by  him  to  change  her  earthly  name. 
For  nere  did  fame  with  truth  fo  neerely  meete, 

as  when  your  aged  father  gouern'd  Crete. 

O  then  be  daughter  to  fo  good  a  father ; 

be  his  lifes  pattern,  mew  from  whence  you  fprang, 
Seeke  to  reuiue  his  glorie  tropheis  rather, 

then  by  your  fhame  to  fee  them  ouerthrowne, 
Some  fruitfull  bloffomes  from  his  vertues  gather : 

fo  may  you  make  your  fathers  fame  your  owne  : 
Crete  %vas  fuftained  oft  by  others  fall. 

but  JJte  s  fujlain  d  by  Phaedra  mojl  of  all. 

How  will  this  trumpe  of  glorie  make  your  mind 

too  low  deie&ed,  feeke  an  other  port 
Then  that  you  aime  at  now  :  where  you  mall  finde, 

more  perfe6l  folace  when  you  make  refort 
Vnto  \hzjhrine  of  Vertue,  that's  refined 

with  pureft  colours,  where  the  ftrongeft/<7/tf 
That  could  be  built  by  Nature  or  by  Art, 

conferues  the  facred  treafure  of  the  heart. 

O  time  deceing  youth  abufing  time, 
making  her  ftale  to  obiecls  of  delight, 

Z  3  Seeing 


342  Hypolitus  to  Phtzdra. 

Seeing  the  bejl  will  to  the  worjl  decline :  (light, 

Night-owle,  whofe  works  dare   not   approach  the 

Prophaning  that  which  was  before  diuine, 
Truth's  great'ft  opponent,  vertues  fecond  fight, 

Whofe  minde  bewitching  vanities  ensnare, 
ourcaptiv'd  reafon  with  &  feeming  faire. 

More  fhould  I  write,  but  that  I  loath  to  write 

of  fuch  a  fubiect  whofe  lafciuious  foyle, 
Makes  my  poore  lines  afham'd  of  fuch  delights, 

Tltat  Parents  birth,  Jhould  Parents  bed  defile, 
Or  to  play  falfe  when  he  is  out  of  fight : 

diftrufting  nought  fhould  I  his  truft  beguile  ? 
O  ceafe  to  loue  Hue  to  aduance  your  fame, 

freeing  your  Bed  and  me  from  Parents  fhame. 

Yours  if  your  owne  :  But  being  not  your  owne, 
/  will  not  reope  what  ottier  men  haue  fowne. 

FINIS. 


343 


To  the  ^under/landing  Reader. 

FOr  your  better  direction  I  haue  re- 
duced  thefe  enfuing  notes  Alpha- 
bettically,  with  an   apt  relation  to 
each  particular  included   in   the  Poeme, 
which  may  minifter  no  leffe  Grace  to  the 
inuention,    then    delight    to    your    rea- 
ding. 


A  lamina  infula  eft  Atheniejis,  quam  Telamon  gu- 
bernaj/e  dicitur,  vitibus  et  myrtetis  eiufq.  generis 
arboribus  veftita.  vid.  Plutarch. 

b  Flumen  maxime  omnium  inclytum,  &c.  Flumen  e 
Niphati  monte  originem  ducens,  et  Babiloniam  celer- 
rimo  curfufecans,  in  rubrum  mare  prolabitur. 
c  Alueum  mutajfe  fertur  ibid.  &c. 
d  In  perfonam  amatorum. 

e  Zeuxis  vuce  viuis  coloribus  depiftce.  &c.  vid.  Plu- 
tarch, in  Apoth. 

f  Riph<zi  monies  Arcadia,  qui  afperrimis  verticibus 
fubnixifunt.  vid.  Caf.  cowmen. 

Ruph<zi 


344 

s  Lyncens  &•  Argos  incredibili  perfpicacia  luminum 
praditi. 

h  Coniux  Orp/tei,  qua  per  deferta  loca  currens,  vt 
Ariftceum,  earn  immodefte  minis  fequentem,  euitaret,  a 
ferpente  venenato  infefla  extremam  diem  obijt,  earn  ve- 
re  legimus,  a  Plutone  raptam  ejfe,  etfub  imperio  fuo  mi- 
ferrimam  vitam  tranfegiffe,  vid.  Quid,  et  Senec.  Trag. 
Her.  Fu. 

'  Homer,  in  Iliad,  vid:  fuper  hunc  locum.  Calabr. 
in  quar.  lib.  de  fuppk. 

k  Turture  fie  Turtur  iungit  amandafuo.  poet. 

1  Timon  pater  Thisbis  qui  ingetem  Thefauri  molem 
in  Area  recondidiJJ'e  arbitrator,  eiufque  afpectu  minim 
in  modum  delecJabatur.  vid  fab.  in  Quid.  Metam. 

m  Naphtha  bituminis  genus  quod  afperjione  aqua  ve- 
Jiementius  exaftuat.  Tejlat.  Plinio. 

°  Loue  is  more  vehement  depriued  of  her  obie<5t. 

0  Stellam  Veneris  appellat  Homerus  "Ecnrepov. 
P   Vid  Lucan.  et  pallin,  de  fid  :  nominibus. 

*  Res  eft  imperiofa  timor. 

*  Sordities,  ira,  nummorum  copia  mira,  his  natura 
fenis  tribus  eft  infecla  venenis. 

f  Vnde  Veftales  virgines  candidis  ftolis  indutas  ejfe 
legimus  in  Aulo.  Cell,  in  no6i  Att. 

1  Sublimi  ftemmate  ductus. 

u  Namfi  vis  apte  nubere,  nube  pari,  Quid. 
x  SuccincJis  humeris  fcuto. 

y  Vid.  Plinium  in  natur.  hi/I.  &  Arift.  de  Natur. 
animal. 

Quos 


345 

Quos  fi  Argus  f cruet?  qui  occulatus  totus  fuit.  Plant, 
in  Aulular. 

z  Hippodamia  filia  cenomai  quant  Pelops  cekritate 
curfus  obtinebat. 

1  Pelopid :  humeri :  prouerb. 

2  Diana. 

3  Luftra  ferarum.  Virg. 

4  Noflis  opaco  cardine  fulgebant  Jlella. 

5  Campi  Elyjij. 

6  Nemejis  vltionis  dea. 

I  Pegafus  alatus  equus,  a  quo  Hypocrene  originem 
duxit. 

8  O  quicunque  fub  hac  habitatis  ntpe  leones,  &c.  O- 
uid.  in  Metam. 

9  Vna  duos  (inquit)  nox  perdit  amantes,  Quid. 

10  Sed  timidi  eft  optare  necem :  ibid. 

II  Myrtus  Verier.,  &c. 

12  Progne  Philomela,  &  Itys. 

13  Ter.  in  vpupam.  Rex  fueram  Jic  crifta probat :  fed 
fordida  vita  immundam  e  tanto  culmine  fecit  auem, 

Campan.  in  Ter. 

14  Exegi  monumentum  cere  perennius :  marmore  du- 
rius,  eboreferenius,  vid.  Eleg.  Flac.  et  Propert. 

f5  ALgle  Aretufa,  &  Hefperitufa  Atlant :  filue,  qua 
hortum  Hefperia  aureis  pomis  refertijjinmm  ope  ferpen- 
tis  perpetuam  vigiliam  feruantis  tenebant,  quain  poftea 
Hercules  inter  emit,  vid.  ope :  Her  :  in  Sen  :  Trag. 

16  Arbor  niueis  pulcherrima  pomis Ardua 

Morus  erat :   Ibid.     !?  Corticis  exigua,  nigrique  colo- 
ns Ebenus,  &c.  de  natura  gagatis  :  vid.  Plin. 

Poftquam 


346 

18  Pojlquam  veftem  cognouit,  et  eiufdem.  Quid. 

19  In  tumulum  Nini,  allocutio. 

20  Vifcera  plus  quant  marmorea. 

21  Purpurea  vela,  leniorem  auram  traJuntia,  &c. 

22  Homer  in  Iliad,  vid.  Calab.  in  deliquijs  fuper  hunc 
locum. 

23  Fluminis  vt  cecinit  littore  cicmis,  obit. 

24  Gagates  qua  monumeta  excolere  folebat  non  tarn 
ob  eximia  natura  proprietates,  quam  polita  et  exarata 
Forma  elegantias  vfurpata.  vid.  Plin.  in  Natur.  hifto. 

25  Batia,fepulchrum  Hi,  quod  in  Ilio  erigebatur  et  in 
Troiano  bello  folenni  honore  effici  legimus.  vid.  Horn.  ib. 

26  wi/09,  honos. 

2?  Et  mihi  fortis  in  vnum  hac  manus  eft :  et  amor, 
&fc.  Quid.  ibid. 

28  Quoq.  magis  tegitur  tanto  magis  ceftuat  ignis. 

29  In  parentes  nania.     3°   Vt  fup.  vid.  eleg.  Mart. 

31  Volat  irreuocabile  verbum.  32  Pyra  folennis  vid. 
Funer.  antiq.  in  Gell.  et  al.  33  Rofa  qua  redolet,  cre- 
fcit  cumfpina  qua  punget.  3*  Et  fugit  adfalices,  &fe 
cupit  ante  videri.  Virg.  3S  Vid  Virg.  in  i°.  lib.  Georg. 
de  Irrigatione,  &c.  36  a  Poetical  fiElion.  37  loues  reply. 

38  Vid.  Hejiod  de  general,  deor.  de  natal.  Hercul.  et 

Plau.  in  Amphitruo -pol  me  haud  p&nitet ;  Scilicet 

boni  dimidium  mihi  diuidere  cum  loue. 

39  Etforor  et  coniux,  &c.  Virg.  in  sEnead.  i°.  lib. 

40  Nocle  fomniat,  qua  vigilans  voluit.  Terent. 

41  Ofcula  libauit  nata.  Virg.    42  Idas  filius  Apharei 
qui  celeritate  equorum   incredibili,  Marpejfam  egregia 
forma  puella  corripuit.  vid.  Quid.     43  Horat.  in  i.  lib. 

Rationc 


347 

44  Ratione  verum  a  falfo  difcernimus,  quam  a  Natura 
nobis  infitam  /iabemusv\&.  Cic.  i.lib.  offi.  45  Qua  lato 
culmine  Buftum  occulit,  arbuftis  teneris  intexit  opacis. 
vide  Proper.  46  Tu  qua  ramis  arbor  miferabile  corpus, 
nunc  tegis  vnius  mox  &  teclura  duorum.  Quid.  Metam. 
4?  Qui  viret  in  folijs  venit  e  radicibus  humor,  et  patntm 
in  natos  abeunt  cum  ftemmate  mores.  48  Viuit pojl fune- 
ra  virtus,  &c.  49  Vid.  Apoth.  rom.  apud  Plutarch. 

5°  Et  germina  gemmis  effulfere  fuis,  fragrantia 

pafcua  veris  pramia  diffundunt,  nouafert  nouafemina. 
Terra.  5i  O  quam  difficile  eft  crimen  no  prodere  vultu  ? 

52  CeJJit  poft  funera  liuor.  vid.  Apoth.  Plut.  de  Aefchin. 
et  Demofth.  inimicit.  et  de  obitu  Demoft. 

53  Ingentia  terra  antra  replere  folent  currentia  fonte 
perenni,  &c.      54  Mare  mittit  amara,  &c.      55    Vetus 
vietus  veternofus  muftellino  colore.  Terentius. 

56  De  Oliua  refert  Plinius,  quod  poft  initi  f(£deris  fode- 
tatem,  ramos  eius  arboris  Fetialis  geftare  folebat,  cuius 
indicio  pads  fpecimina  proferebantur,  vid.  in  Philip, 
comm.  de  Bell.  Neapol.  Oliua  ramos  pads  indicia  cir- 
cumferre  folebant  if,  cum  quibus  coditiones  pads  confir- 
mata  funt.  &c.  57  Recipit populos  vrna  citatos.  Senec. 
58  Babilon  mine  vero  Bagadeth  appellata,  a  Nimrode 
extruebatur,  &  a  Semiramide  extendebatur.  In  Euphra- 
tem  Flu :  amaemif :  fita :  vid :  Gee-graph,  comen.  59  Quia 
ojfa parentum  eorum  rogis  immifcebantur. 
60  Minotaure.  6l  Afcendo  :  vires  animus  dabat  aeque 
ita  late  ^Equora  profpecT.ii  metior  alia  meo.  Quid,  in  op. 
Ariad.  Thef. 

FINIS. 


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A  Book  for  a  Shakespearean  Library. 

NATURES  EMBASSIE I 

Divine  and  Morall  Satyres  :  Shepheards 

Tales,  both  parts  :  Omphale  :  Odes, 

or  Philomels  Tears,  &c. 

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ROBERT  ROBERTS,  BOSTON,  LINCOLNSHIRE. 


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alisms and  idiomatic  expressions.  It  is  a  pleasant,  gossipy 
book,  containing  a  good  deal  of  grave  pleasant  humour, 
the  thoughts  and  sayings  of  great  men,  with  the  notes  and 
remarks  of  Erasmus  upon  the  same.  It  is  well  printed  on 
antique  ribbed  paper,  demy  8vo.,  540  pages. 

*#*  Only  250  are  printed,  which  are  numbered  and  signed. 
Price     i  is. 


ROBERT  ROBERTS,  BOSTON,  LINCOLNSHIRE. 


DATE  DUE 


GAYLORD 


PRINTCD  IN  US. A- 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


A    000  569  861     8 


